The Pittsburgh Penguins are back in the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time since the 2021-22 season, facing off against the St. Louis Blues on April 14, 2026, at 9:30 p.m. ET. The Penguins have scored an impressive 285 goals this season, ranking third in the NHL, and are entering the playoffs with a strong record of 41-24-16.
Sidney Crosby, the Penguins’ captain, is just four assists away from becoming the all-time leader in assists with one team, a milestone that adds an extra layer of excitement to this playoff run. Meanwhile, Evgeni Malkin continues to defy age, averaging 1.09 points per game at 39 years old. Bryan Rust is also on the cusp of his second 30-goal season, needing just one more goal to reach that mark.
On the other side, the Blues, with a record of 35-33-12, are looking to turn their season around. Anthony Mantha has been a standout for St. Louis, setting career highs with 32 goals, 30 assists, and 62 points this season. The Blues will need to leverage their home-ice advantage at the Enterprise Center if they hope to compete against a Penguins team that has been dominant in recent matchups, boasting an 8-1-1 record against St. Louis over their last ten encounters.
Special teams will play a crucial role in this matchup, with the Penguins’ power play operating at 24.3%, ranking seventh in the NHL, while the Blues’ power play sits at a struggling 17.5%, placing them 27th. This disparity could be a deciding factor in a tightly contested playoff series. The Penguins have clinched a playoff spot and are locked into their current standings, while the Blues are fighting to regain their footing.
As the Penguins prepare for this pivotal game, they are considered heavy underdogs, with NHL odds placing them at +176 to win. This underdog status could motivate the team, especially with the NHL debut of defenseman Jake Livanavage on the horizon, adding fresh energy to the lineup.
Historically, the Penguins have been a dominant force in the NHL, having reached the Stanley Cup playoffs more than any other team since the 2006-07 season. They have secured three championships during the Sidney Crosby-Evgeni Malkin era, a testament to their sustained excellence and competitive spirit. The current playoff appearance marks a significant moment for the franchise, as they look to reclaim their status among the league’s elite.
Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this matchup unfolds. The Penguins have shown they can generate offensive chances, but their recent performance against Washington highlighted a lack of killer instinct when the stakes were lower. As they face the Blues, the intensity of playoff hockey will demand a higher level of execution and determination.
With both teams having much to prove, observers expect a thrilling contest that could set the tone for the remainder of the playoffs. As the puck drops, all eyes will be on the stars of the game, particularly Crosby and Malkin, as they aim to lead their team to victory and further solidify their legacies in the NHL.
