Pittsburgh Penguins Lock In Playoff Spot, Await First-Round Opponent

The hard work is done. Now comes the wait.

Pittsburgh Penguins fans can officially mark their calendars — the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs begin on Saturday, April 18. The Penguins clinched their postseason berth with a win over the New Jersey Devils on April 9, and with the regular season winding down, Pittsburgh has locked up second place in the Metropolitan Division, meaning home-ice advantage in Round 1.

The only unresolved question is who will be waiting for them at PPG Paints Arena when the puck drops next weekend.

The likeliest candidate as of Sunday: the Philadelphia Flyers, who currently sit third in the Metro with 94 points. That would set up a passionate rivalry series that needs no additional motivation on either side. But the bracket remains fluid. The New York Islanders and Washington Capitals are each at 91 points, while the Columbus Blue Jackets sit at 92 — all still very much in contention for that third Metro spot.

If Washington somehow leapfrogs into the No. 3 position, Penguins fans would be treated to something special: Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin meeting in a playoff series for the first time in their storied careers. The two legends have dominated the NHL for nearly two decades on opposite coasts, and a Crosby-Ovi postseason matchup would be appointment television for hockey fans everywhere.

Pittsburgh has two games remaining before the postseason picture is finalized. The Penguins visit the Capitals on Sunday in a game that could directly influence the bracket, then head to St. Louis for a game against the Blues on Tuesday.

Once the regular season concludes, the NHL will announce the full Round 1 schedule with official start times. Until then, Penguins supporters can rest easy knowing their team is in, they're playing at home to start, and they have until at least April 18 to figure out exactly who is coming to town.

Playoff hockey is back in Pittsburgh. Everything else is just details.