NHL Announces Flyers vs. Penguins Playoff Schedule

The first-round matchup between the longtime rivals begins this weekend.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 5:18am

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A fragmented, geometric painting in bold colors depicting a hockey game between the Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins, with the players and arena rendered in an abstract, cubist style.The intense rivalry between the Flyers and Penguins is captured in a cubist-inspired illustration that deconstructs the action on the ice.Philadelphia Today

The NHL has announced the schedule for the first-round playoff series between the Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins. The best-of-seven series will begin on Saturday, April 18 with Game 1 in Pittsburgh, followed by Game 2 on Monday, April 20. The series will then shift to Philadelphia for Games 3 and 4 on April 22 and 25. If necessary, Games 5-7 will be played on April 27, April 29, and May 2, with the locations to be determined.

Why it matters

The Flyers-Penguins rivalry is one of the most intense in the NHL, and this will be the first playoff matchup between the two teams since 2018. The series is expected to be highly competitive, with both teams finishing the regular season with 98 points and the Penguins earning home-ice advantage via the tiebreaker.

The details

The Flyers and Penguins split their four-game regular-season series, with each team winning twice. The Flyers are making their first playoff appearance since 2020, while the Penguins are returning to the postseason after a one-year absence. The series will feature a number of star players, including the Flyers' Claude Giroux and the Penguins' Sidney Crosby.

  • The series begins on Saturday, April 18 with Game 1 in Pittsburgh.
  • Game 2 will be played on Monday, April 20 in Pittsburgh.
  • Games 3 and 4 will be held in Philadelphia on April 22 and 25.
  • If necessary, Games 5-7 will be played on April 27, April 29, and May 2, with the locations to be determined.

The players

Claude Giroux

The captain of the Philadelphia Flyers and one of the team's star players.

Sidney Crosby

The captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins and one of the best players in the NHL.

Nick Seeler

A defenseman for the Philadelphia Flyers who is excited for the team's return to the playoffs.

Rick Tocchet

The head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

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What they’re saying

“I'm just excited for our fans. They've been craving playoff hockey. The best fans in hockey, they deserve to see us in the playoffs.”

— Nick Seeler, Flyers Defenseman

What’s next

The NHL will announce the broadcast schedule for the Flyers-Penguins series when it is released.

The takeaway

This first-round playoff matchup between the Flyers and Penguins is sure to be a hard-fought and intense series between two of the NHL's most storied franchises. The series will feature star power, playoff experience, and passionate fan bases on both sides, making it a must-watch event for hockey fans.