Penguins NHL Playoff Clinching Scenarios: How Pittsburgh Can Earn Berth on April 9
Penguins NHL Playoff Clinching Scenarios: How Pittsburgh Can Earn Berth on April 9 originally appeared on SportsNet Pittsburgh . Add SportsNet Pittsburgh as a Preferred Source by clicking here . The Penguins can officially punch their ticket to the NHL Playoffs on Thursday.
Pittsburgh enters its matchup against New Jersey with a win-and-in scenario. If the Penguins are unable to take care of business against the Devils, there are still multiple ways that they can clinch a spot in the postseason bracket based on other results around the league. Here's a complete breakdown on how the Penguins can clinch a playoff berth on Thursday night.
Penguins NHL Playoff clinching scenarios Win vs. Devils The easiest path to the playoffs for Pittsburgh? Just beat New Jersey, which has already been eliminated from postseason contention.
Overtime loss + Sabres win If Dan Muse's squad picks up a point at the Prudential Center, it can clinch a playoff berth with a Sabres win of any kind over the Blue Jackets. Buffalo has already clinched a playoff spot, but Lindy Ruff's team is still battling for positioning with the Lightning and Canadiens at the top of the Atlantic Division standings. Sabres regulation win + Maple Leafs win In the scenario in which the Penguins lose in regulation, a Sabres win in regulation and a Maple Leafs win of any kind over the Islanders would push Pittsburgh into the bracket.
Those outcomes would lower the Penguins' magic number to zero, guaranteeing a postseason appearance regardless of the final score at the Prudential Center. Full NHL schedule for Thursday, April 9 Here is the full slate of games for Thursday, April 9: Game Time (ET) Maple Leafs vs. Islanders 6:45 p.