The Pittsburgh Penguins have clinched a playoff spot with three games remaining in the regular season. They secured the spot with a victory over the New Jersey Devils. Erik Karlsson scored a goal and had an assist in the win.
Karlsson set up Tommy Novak to retake the lead for Pittsburgh in the second period after an early goal by Bryan Rust and an equalizer by New Jersey's Paul Cotter. Nine seconds later, Yegor Chinakhov extended Pittsburgh's lead. Karlsson scored the final goal into an empty net with three minutes left, his 15th of the season, bringing his total to 66 points in 74 games.
the team deserves the playoff spot and has had a really stable season
Karlsson said the team deserves the playoff spot and has had a really stable season. He also expressed excitement about returning to the playoffs after a long absence. Other Swedes on the team include Rikard Rakell and Elmer Söderblom.
excitement about returning to the playoffs after a long absence