St. Louis Blues Game Preview: April 14, 2026 Showdown
The Pittsburgh Penguins have secured a spot in the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time since the 2021-22 season. This achievement comes after their victory against the New Jersey Devils. Under the leadership of legends Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, the Penguins have cemented their reputation as the team with the most playoff wins—103—since 2006. Over the years, Pittsburgh has reached the Stanley Cup Finals four times and won three championships in 2009, 2016, and 2017.
High-Scoring Season for the Penguins
This season, the Penguins have emerged as one of the NHL’s offensive powerhouses. With a total of 285 goals, they rank third in the league. Remarkably, this is the most goals scored by the franchise since the 1996-97 season. The team is on track to achieve the highest goals-per-game average during the Sidney Crosby Era.
Crosby’s Historic Pursuit
Sidney Crosby is just four assists away from becoming the all-time leader for assists with a single NHL team, trailing only Ray Bourque. His recent performance includes six assists over the past four games, showcasing his continued impact on the ice.
Malkin’s Milestone
Evgeni Malkin has made history by becoming one of the few NHL players to maintain an average of over a point per game at the age of 39 or older. His current average this season stands at 1.09 points per game, placing him among the top scorers.
Rust’s Career-Achieving Season
Bryan Rust is on the brink of a 30-goal season. Should he achieve this milestone, he would be the only current player, aside from Crosby and Malkin, to reach this mark multiple times since 2005. Additionally, Rust is one point shy of setting a new career high.
Standout Performers
- Anthony Mantha: This forward has recorded points in 12 of his last 17 games, accumulating 11 goals and 6 assists. He set personal bests with 32 goals, 30 assists, and 62 points this season.
- Erik Karlsson: With 31 points, including 11 goals and 20 assists, Karlsson leads all NHL defensemen in points over the last 23 games.
- Ben Kindel: As a rookie, Kindel boasts 34 points (17 goals, 17 assists) and ranks tied for seventh among his peers. Four of his goals have been game-winners, just one shy of the NHL record for an 18-year-old.
Penguins Add Livanavage
The Penguins have signed defenseman Jake Livanavage to a two-year, entry-level contract, starting in the 2025-26 season. The 21-year-old recently finished his collegiate career at the University of North Dakota, scoring five goals and 20 assists over 39 games. Livanavage has shown promise, accumulating 82 points in 117 games during his three seasons with the school.
As the Penguins gear up for the Stanley Cup playoffs, their rich history, combined with exceptional talent, sets the stage for an exciting postseason. The upcoming game on April 14, 2026, promises to be a thrilling showdown as Pittsburgh aims to continue their legacy.
