Flyers Fans, Alumni Rally for Game 1 in Pittsburgh

Flyers faithful travel to rival city, fueling playoff excitement after 6-year drought

Apr. 18, 2026 at 3:04am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game between the Flyers and Penguins, with overlapping planes of orange, black, blue, and gold representing the intense competition and passion between the two teams.The Flyers-Penguins rivalry is renewed as Philadelphia fans rally behind their team's return to the playoffs.Philadelphia Today

Flyers fans and former players boarded a bus in South Philadelphia to travel to Pittsburgh for Game 1 of the playoff series against the Penguins on Friday, April 17. The trip, organized by True Fan Travel, included ex-Flyers Brad Marsh and Chris Therien, who helped stoke the rivalry and playoff energy. Back in Philadelphia, the Flyers' return to the postseason after a 6-year drought has sparked excitement, with even penguins at the local aquarium showing team spirit.

Why it matters

The Flyers-Penguins rivalry is one of the most intense in the NHL, and the team's first playoff appearance since 2020 has reignited passion among the fanbase. The bus trip to Pittsburgh and the regional enthusiasm highlight how the Flyers' success resonates throughout the community, from diehard supporters to casual fans.

The details

A group of Flyers fans, decked out in orange and black, traveled from South Philadelphia to Pittsburgh for the playoff opener. The trip was organized by True Fan Travel and included former Flyers players Brad Marsh and Chris Therien, who helped fuel the rivalry and playoff excitement. 'Everyone's pumped to be going down the turnpike and pulling into Pittsburgh,' Marsh said. Therien added, 'There's a lot of animosity between the cities, the fan bases, and the players. Battle of Pennsylvania — you want to win that. And if you're Philadelphia, you want to take down Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and company.'

  • The bus trip to Pittsburgh took place on Friday, April 17, ahead of Game 1 of the playoff series.
  • The Flyers are making their first playoff appearance in 6 years.

The players

Brad Marsh

A former Flyers player who joined the bus trip to Pittsburgh.

Chris Therien

A former Flyers player who joined the bus trip to Pittsburgh.

James Dooney

A Flyers fan who was excited about the team's playoff return.

Cassidy Anderson

The Content Marketing Coordinator at Adventure Aquarium, where penguins are showing support for the Flyers.

Sidney Crosby

A star player for the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Flyers' playoff rival.

Evgeni Malkin

A star player for the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Flyers' playoff rival.

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What they’re saying

“Everyone's pumped to be going down the turnpike and pulling into Pittsburgh.”

— Brad Marsh, Former Flyers player

“There's a lot of animosity between the cities, the fan bases, and the players. Battle of Pennsylvania — you want to win that. And if you're Philadelphia, you want to take down Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and company.”

— Chris Therien, Former Flyers player

“This is awesome, are you kidding me? I was talking since July that we were gonna make the playoffs and I was mocked — but here we are now.”

— James Dooney, Flyers fan

“Penguins can see color very clearly — they're obviously drawn to the black and orange.”

— Cassidy Anderson, Content Marketing Coordinator, Adventure Aquarium

“The fans push these players. When you see that building and feel that energy, it makes you try to be a better player.”

— Chris Therien, Former Flyers player

What’s next

The Flyers-Penguins series will return to the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia for Games 3 and 4, where the team's passionate fanbase is expected to provide a significant home-ice advantage.

The takeaway

The Flyers' return to the playoffs after a 6-year drought has reignited the intense rivalry with the Penguins, sparking excitement and camaraderie among the team's loyal supporters. From the bus trip to Pittsburgh to the regional enthusiasm, the Flyers' success is resonating throughout the community and fueling hope for a deep postseason run.