Crosby's history against Flyers could spark Penguins in Game 2

Captain says Pittsburgh must be more 'opportunistic' after dropping series opener

Apr. 19, 2026 at 8:43pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the intensity and movement of a hockey game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers, with the players' forms fractured and overlapping in a dynamic, abstract composition.Crosby's history of dominance over the Flyers could provide the Penguins the spark they need to even the series in Game 2.Philadelphia Today

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby has a long history of success against the Philadelphia Flyers, and the Penguins will look to bounce back in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference First Round series after dropping the series opener. Crosby has 139 points (60 goals, 79 assists) in 93 games against the Flyers, including 36 points (15 goals, 21 assists) in 24 playoff games, the most postseason points by any player against Philadelphia.

Why it matters

Crosby's dominance over the Flyers could provide a spark for the Penguins as they look to even the series before it shifts to Philadelphia. The Penguins will need their captain to lead the way after a disappointing Game 1 loss.

The details

In the 2008 Eastern Conference Final, Crosby had five points in the first three games to give the Penguins a 3-0 series lead, but he was called for two penalties in a Game 4 loss. He responded with the primary assist on two of the first three goals in a 6-0 win in Game 5. A year later, Crosby took two penalties and was a minus-2 in a Game 5 loss, but then scored two goals in a 5-3 series-clinching win in Game 6. In the 2018 first round, Crosby had a hat trick in Game 1 before being held to two shots on goal in a Game 2 loss, but he came back with six combined points in the next two games to win the series.

  • In 2008, Crosby had five points in the first three games of the Eastern Conference Final against the Flyers.
  • In 2009, Crosby took two penalties and was a minus-2 in a Game 5 loss, but then scored two goals in a 5-3 series-clinching win in Game 6.
  • In the 2018 first round, Crosby had a hat trick in Game 1 before being held to two shots on goal in a Game 2 loss, but he came back with six combined points in the next two games to win the series.

The players

Sidney Crosby

The 38-year-old captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins, who has won the Stanley Cup three times with the team and has dominated the Philadelphia Flyers throughout his NHL career.

Kris Letang

A defenseman for the Pittsburgh Penguins who has played alongside Crosby for many years and believes Crosby thrives on adversity.

Dan Muse

The head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins, who has confidence in Crosby and the team's ability to bounce back after a disappointing Game 1 loss.

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What they’re saying

“Regardless of who you play, everyone's got a game plan. You've got to go out there and execute it. So, I don't get too caught up in who it is. You just try to worry about what you have to do to be successful and trust that. I think that's probably the biggest aspect.”

— Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins captain

“I mean, he's one of the best players in the world. Any team you put in front of him, he's going to try to do everything he can to make his team win. The more adversity, he usually thrives more. That's why he's so good.”

— Kris Letang, Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman

“I know the kind of competitor he is. I've seen it, for a long time from afar, just like everybody else has. Now, this past year, I've gotten to see it firsthand. Yeah, we didn't like our first game. We've got an opportunity to respond here tomorrow.”

— Dan Muse, Pittsburgh Penguins head coach

What’s next

The Penguins will look to even the series in Game 2 on Monday night before the series shifts to Philadelphia for Games 3 and 4.

The takeaway

Crosby's history of success against the Flyers, combined with the Penguins' desire to bounce back after a disappointing Game 1 loss, could provide the spark the team needs to even the series and regain momentum heading into the later games.