Flyers and Penguins Set for NHL Playoff Showdown

Philadelphia clinches postseason berth for first time in years, will face rival Pittsburgh in first round

Apr. 14, 2026 at 1:20pm

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The Philadelphia Flyers have clinched a spot in the 2026 NHL playoffs, earning the 8th seed in the Eastern Conference. They will now face off against the 2nd-seeded Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round, renewing one of hockey's fiercest rivalries. The two teams split their regular season series 2-2, setting the stage for an intense playoff matchup.

Why it matters

The Flyers' playoff berth marks the first time the team has reached the postseason in over half a decade, providing a much-needed boost of excitement for the franchise and its passionate fanbase in Philadelphia. The Flyers-Penguins rivalry is one of the NHL's most storied, with the two teams meeting in the playoffs numerous times over the years.

The details

The Flyers clinched their playoff spot with a dramatic 3-2 shootout win over the Carolina Hurricanes in their second-to-last game of the regular season. Tyson Foerster scored the lone shootout goal to secure the victory. Philadelphia finished the season 42-27-12, while Pittsburgh went 41-24-16 to earn home-ice advantage in the first-round series.

  • The Flyers clinched their playoff berth on April 14, 2026.
  • The NHL playoffs are scheduled to begin on April 18, 2026.

The players

Philadelphia Flyers

An NHL franchise based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that has won two Stanley Cup championships.

Pittsburgh Penguins

An NHL franchise based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania that has won five Stanley Cup championships.

Tyson Foerster

A forward for the Philadelphia Flyers who scored the decisive shootout goal to clinch the team's playoff berth.

Dan Vladar

The goaltender for the Philadelphia Flyers who made four saves in the shootout to preserve the win.

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What they’re saying

“We've been fighting all season to get back to the playoffs, and I'm so proud of the guys for stepping up and getting the job done. Now the real work begins as we get ready to take on our rivals from Pittsburgh.”

— John Tortorella, Head Coach, Philadelphia Flyers

What’s next

The NHL is expected to announce the full playoff schedule, including dates and start times, in the coming days once the regular season concludes.

The takeaway

The Flyers' return to the playoffs after a lengthy drought provides a much-needed boost of excitement for the franchise and its passionate fanbase in Philadelphia. Their first-round matchup against the rival Penguins promises to be a hard-fought and intense series as two of the NHL's most storied franchises battle for a spot in the next round.