Flyers defeat Penguins 3-2 in Game 1 playoff opener

Travis Sanheim's third-period goal lifts Philadelphia to victory in postseason return

Apr. 19, 2026 at 4:14am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game between the Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins, with overlapping planes of color and abstracted figures representing the players and action on the ice.The Flyers' playoff-opening victory over their bitter rivals the Penguins sets an energetic tone for Philadelphia's return to the Stanley Cup chase.Philadelphia Today

The Philadelphia Flyers made a triumphant return to the NHL playoffs, defeating the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-2 in Game 1 of their first-round series. Defenseman Travis Sanheim scored the go-ahead goal midway through the third period to lift the Flyers to victory over Sidney Crosby and the Penguins.

Why it matters

The Flyers' playoff berth marks their first appearance in the postseason since 2021, ending a five-year drought. The win over their cross-state rivals Penguins sets an energetic tone for Philadelphia's return to the Stanley Cup chase.

The details

Sanheim's decisive goal came at the 11:24 mark of the third period, breaking a 2-2 tie and giving the Flyers the lead for good. Philadelphia jumped out to an early 2-0 advantage in the first period, but the Penguins battled back to even the score in the second. Flyers goaltender Carter Hart made 35 saves to secure the victory.

  • The game was played on April 18, 2026.
  • The Flyers scored the go-ahead goal with 11:24 remaining in the third period.

The players

Travis Sanheim

A defenseman for the Philadelphia Flyers who scored the game-winning goal in the third period.

Sidney Crosby

The star center for the Pittsburgh Penguins, who was held in check by the Flyers' defense.

Carter Hart

The Flyers' goaltender who made 35 saves to preserve the victory.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This was a huge win for us to start the playoffs. The guys battled hard and we're excited to be back in the postseason.”

— Travis Sanheim, Flyers Defenseman

“We had our chances, but couldn't find a way to solve Hart tonight. We'll need to regroup and come out stronger in Game 2.”

— Sidney Crosby, Penguins Captain

What’s next

Game 2 of the first-round series between the Flyers and Penguins will be played on April 20, 2026.

The takeaway

The Flyers' playoff-opening victory over their bitter rivals the Penguins demonstrates that Philadelphia is a force to be reckoned with in this year's Stanley Cup chase, as the team makes its long-awaited return to the postseason.