After the Pittsburgh Penguins clinched their first postseason berth since 2022 with a 5-2 win over the New Jersey Devils on Thursday – as well as second place in the Metropolitan Division – the only thing left to check off the list was who their opponent would be in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
And that was finally determined on Monday.
With a 3-2 shootout win over the Carolina Hurricanes, the Philadelphia Flyers clinched the third spot in the Metropolitan Division and will face the Penguins in the first round, setting the stage for the Battle of Pennsylvania. With the win, the Washington Capitals and Columbus Blue Jackets were eliminated from playoff contention, and the Eastern Conference playoff picture was set in stone.
The Flyers put together an improbable stretch run over the past few weeks, going 14-5-1 in their last 20 games. It is their first postseason berth since 2020, and it is their first time facing the Penguins since 2018, when Pittsburgh beat them during the first round in six games to advance to the Eastern Conference semifinal.
The two teams have met seven times in the playoffs, with Philadelphia winning four of those series.
The Stanley Cup Playoffs begin Saturday, Apr. 18. Stay tuned to The Hockey News – Pittsburgh Penguins for updates on the postseason schedule, scores, playoff coverage, and more.
Takeaways: Penguins Take Care Of Business, Clinch Playoff Berth With 5-2 Win Over New Jersey Devils The Pittsburgh Penguins are headed back to the Stanley Cup Playoffs after a four-year drought and a statement win over the New Jersey Devils. Bookmark THN – Pittsburgh Penguins on your Google News tab to follow the latest Penguins news, roster moves, player features, and more!
