The Pittsburgh Penguins are set to clash with the St. Louis Blues on April 14, 2026, at 9:30 p.m. ET at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis. This matchup is particularly significant as it marks the Penguins’ return to the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time since the 2021-22 season. With a record of 41-24-16, the Penguins have scored 285 goals this season, ranking third in the NHL.
Leading the charge for the Penguins is veteran forward Sidney Crosby, who is just four assists away from becoming the all-time leader in assists with one team. His teammate, Evgeni Malkin, continues to impress at 39 years old, averaging 1.09 points per game this season. Additionally, Bryan Rust is on the verge of achieving his second 30-goal season of his career, needing just one more goal to reach that milestone.
On the other side, the Blues, with a record of 35-33-12, are looking to capitalize on their home advantage. The Penguins have historically performed well against the Blues, boasting an 8-1-1 record over their last ten encounters. However, the Blues have struggled with their power play, ranking 27th in the NHL at 17.5%, compared to the Penguins’ more robust 24.3%, which ranks 7th.
Notably, this game will also mark the NHL debut of Penguins defenseman Jake Livanavage, adding another layer of excitement to the matchup. The Penguins are considered heavy underdogs, with NHL odds placing them at +176 to win. Despite this, they have clinched a playoff spot and cannot move from their current standings, which may influence their strategy going into this game.
In terms of individual performances, Anthony Mantha of the Blues has set career highs this season, with 32 goals, 30 assists, and 62 points. Meanwhile, Erik Karlsson leads all defensemen in the NHL with 31 points over the last 23 games, showcasing his offensive prowess.
As the game approaches, observers are keen to see how the Penguins’ strong offensive capabilities will fare against the Blues’ defense. The Penguins have generated numerous offensive chances in recent games, though they have sometimes struggled to capitalize on them, as noted in their previous match against Washington.
With the stakes high and both teams eager to make their mark in the playoffs, this Penguins vs Blues matchup promises to be a thrilling encounter. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any last-minute changes to the lineups or strategies, but fans are eagerly anticipating what unfolds on the ice.
