Zegras lifts Flyers past Penguins in shootout

Rookie Alex Bump scores in NHL debut as Philadelphia wins 4-3

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Trevor Zegras scored the game-winning goal in the shootout and Dan Vladar made 20 saves to lead the Philadelphia Flyers to a 4-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins. Alex Bump, making his NHL debut, scored a goal for the Flyers, who won for the fourth time in their last five games. Rickard Rakell had a goal and an assist for the Penguins, who lost their third straight game.

Why it matters

The Flyers' win over their division rival Penguins is an important result in the tight Eastern Conference playoff race. Zegras' shootout heroics and Bump's debut goal are also notable individual achievements.

The details

Zegras scored the only goal in the shootout, slowly creeping down the slot before firing a wrist shot past Penguins goalie Stuart Skinner. Bump, who helped Western Michigan win its first NCAA hockey title in 2025, scored in his NHL debut. Owen Tippett and Denver Barkey also scored for the Flyers, while Rickard Rakell, Erik Karlsson and Tommy Novak tallied for the Penguins.

  • The game was played on Saturday afternoon.
  • Novak scored the opening goal just 3 minutes into the first period.
  • Tippett tied the game 54 seconds later.
  • Rakell put the Penguins back in front in the second period.
  • Bump scored to tie the game again 68 seconds later.

The players

Trevor Zegras

A forward for the Philadelphia Flyers who scored the game-winning goal in the shootout.

Dan Vladar

The Flyers' goaltender who made 20 saves and stopped all three shootout attempts.

Alex Bump

A rookie forward for the Flyers who scored a goal in his NHL debut.

Rickard Rakell

A forward for the Pittsburgh Penguins who had a goal and an assist.

Stuart Skinner

The Penguins' goaltender who stopped 12 of 15 shots.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

This game showcased the Flyers' resilience and ability to win close games, as well as the continued development of young stars like Zegras and Bump. The Penguins' struggles in shootouts are also noteworthy, as they fell to 1-9 in those situations this season.