Penguins Clinch Playoff Berth, Home Ice For First Round Of Postseason

Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin

Penguins Clinch Playoff Berth, Home Ice For First Round Of Postseason originally appeared on SportsNet Pittsburgh. Add SportsNet Pittsburgh as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Thursday was a huge day for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Not only did they clinch their first playoff berth in four years with their 5-2 road win over the New Jersey Devils, but they also secured home ice in the first round of the postseason with the Philadelphia Flyers' loss to the Detroit Red Wings.

The Penguins were well-rested from their three-day layoff after sweeping the Florida Panthers, extending their winning streak to three games with their 41st win of the season. That's their longest winning streak since they won six straight to close out January.

It was also Pittsburgh's fifth victory in its last six games and fifth time with at least five goals during that span.

Five different players scored goals for the Penguins on Thursday, while Sidney Crosby notched two assists. Stuart Skinner was strong in goal, stopping 19 of 21 shots.

It was another well-balanced effort from Pittsburgh, which has been playing great hockey lately and is building some nice momentum heading into the playoffs.

With three relatively meaningless games remaining for the Penguins, getting their stars some rest will be a top priority over the next few days. With a postseason spot and home ice secured, Pittsburgh doesn't have much to play for and can afford to sit some guys.

With the Penguins officially playoff-bound, time will tell how far they get in the Stanley Cup Playoffs as they pursue their sixth title. In the meantime, the rest of April just got even better for Pittsburgh sports fans.

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