A win tonight against the New Jersey Devils and the Pittsburgh Penguins will qualify for the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time since 2022. There are other clinching scenarios for the Penguins should they not be able to defeat the Devils later this evening, but if they can take care of business themselves in Newark, there won’t be any need to rely on help from other teams. On top of locking down a playoff spot, a victory tonight also aides the Penguins in keeping a tight grip on that second
spot in the Metro division which guarantees them home ice advantage in the first round.
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET and will be broadcast on Sportsnet Pittsburgh.
Pens Points…
Nominees for the Masterson Trophy were announced on Wednesday and Anthony Mantha was chosen to represent the Penguins for the 2025-26 season. Coming off a major knee injury, Mantha signed with the Penguins in the offseason and rebounded to post career highs across the board. [Penguins]
When Mantha tore his ACL early in the 2024-25 season, there were real questions about how much of a future he had in the game of hockey. Turns out, his hockey future is still bright after his reemergence with the Penguins has proven he still has a lot left to give on the ice. [PPG]
Some good news in the injury department for the Penguins as it was announced on Wednesday that goaltender Stuart Skinner will travel with the team to New Jersey following a successful practice session as he works his way back from taking an errant puck to the face over the weekend that forced him out Sunday. [Trib Live]
Before the season started, Pensburgh ran an article asking if the Penguins making the playoffs or finishing in last place was a bigger surprise to come from this season. We believed a lot was going to need to break the Penguins way for a playoff appearance, but lo and behold, that’s how the season played out. [Pensburgh]
After a small bump in the road, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins have returned to their winning ways, having stacked six straight victories with a weekend sweep of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms as they enter the final five games of the AHL season still comfortably in second place. [Pensburgh]
Sticking with the Baby Pens, there will be some fresh faces on the roster the next time they take the ice. Promising prospect Mikhail Ilyin has made his way over from the KHL and will join WBS along with 2025 draftees Quinn Beauchesne and Ryan Miller. [The Hockey News]
NHL News and Notes…
Alex Ovechkin let it be known on Wednesday that he will discuss his NHL future with his family following the season, meaning this weekend could be the final time Ovechkin not only plays in Pittsburgh, but it could also be the final chapter of his rivalry with Sidney Crosby. [NHL]
The Boston Bruins and 2025 first round pick James Hagens agreed to a three-year entry level contract that is set to begin right away. Hagens played six games with the Providence Bruins in the AHL after signing a tryout deal following the conclusion of his collegiate season with Boston College. [NHL]
