The Pittsburgh Penguins clinched a playoff berth Thursday night with a 5-2 victory over the New Jersey Devils, ending a three-year postseason drought. The win marks a remarkable turnaround for a team that had made 16 consecutive playoff appearances before missing the postseason in 2022-23, 2023-24, and 2024-25.

The season featured significant challenges, including an eight-game losing streak in December and uncertainty about playoff positioning as late as March. Pittsburgh entered the season as 6-1 long shots to qualify, according to Sportsbook, with many viewing it as one last run for the aging core of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang. The trio has played together for 20 seasons, making them the longest-tenured group of teammates in North American professional sports.

First-year coach Dan Muse has exceeded expectations after being hired from relative obscurity following five seasons as an assistant with Nashville and the New York Rangers. His calm demeanor and personable approach have resonated with players like forward Justin Brazeau, who praised the relaxed atmosphere. The Penguins' resurgence includes contributions from young talent like 18-year-old center Ben Kindel, who made the team after being drafted 11th overall last year, and 35-year-old defenseman Erik Karlsson's continued excellence. Sidney Crosby maintained his point-per-game production for a 21st consecutive season despite an Olympic injury.