The Pittsburgh Penguins are on the cusp of a major milestone. For the first time in four years, they stand just one victory away from punching their ticket back to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The stage is set for a crucial Thursday night showdown on the road against the New Jersey Devils at 7 p.m. ET.

With a magic number of two, the Penguins (40-22-16, 96 points) have multiple paths to clinching their postseason berth tonight. The most direct route is a win of any kind over the already-eliminated Devils. A victory would secure their spot and solidify their position as the current No. 2 seed in the ultra-competitive Metropolitan Division.

Should the Devils prove a tough out, Pittsburgh can still celebrate tonight with some help from around the league. They would also clinch if the Columbus Blue Jackets lose in regulation to the Buffalo Sabres and the New York Islanders fall to the Toronto Maple Leafs in any fashion.

The energy is palpable as the NHL regular season winds down, concluding on April 16. A win tonight would allow the Penguins to shift their focus entirely to the ultimate prize, with the Stanley Cup Playoffs set to drop the puck on April 18. It's a pivotal moment for the franchise and its passionate fanbase, who have been eagerly awaiting this return to spring hockey.