Flyers and Penguins Renew Playoff Rivalry

The two Pennsylvania teams face off in the NHL playoffs for the 8th time.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 6:36pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game between the Flyers and Penguins, with the players and action broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color.The heated rivalry between the Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins is set to reach a boiling point once again in the NHL playoffs.Today in Pittsburgh

The Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins will meet in the NHL playoffs for the 8th time, with their last matchup coming in 2018 when the Penguins defeated the Flyers in 6 games in the first round. The Flyers have a long and storied playoff history against their in-state rivals, with the first meeting coming in 1989 when the Flyers won in 7 games in the Patrick Division Finals. The Penguins have had the upper hand in recent years, but the Flyers are back in the playoffs for the first time in over half a decade, setting up an intriguing first-round clash between the two Pennsylvania powerhouses.

Why it matters

The Flyers-Penguins playoff rivalry is one of the most heated in the NHL, with the two teams meeting in the postseason 8 times dating back to 1989. The Penguins have had the Flyers' number in recent years, but the Flyers' return to the playoffs after a long drought sets up an exciting first-round matchup between the two Pennsylvania rivals.

The details

The Flyers and Penguins have met in the playoffs 8 times, with the Penguins holding a 5-3 series advantage. Their last matchup came in 2018 when the Penguins defeated the Flyers in 6 games in the first round. Prior to that, the Flyers knocked off the Penguins in the 2012, 2000, and 1997 playoffs. The Penguins won series in 2008 and 2009 on their way to Stanley Cup championships.

  • The Flyers and Penguins last met in the playoffs in 2018.
  • The Flyers' last playoff appearance was in the 2019-2020 season.
  • The Penguins' last playoff appearance was in the 2021-2022 season.

The players

Sidney Crosby

Star center for the Pittsburgh Penguins and one of the best players of his generation.

Philadelphia Flyers

The NHL team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that has a long-standing rivalry with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Pittsburgh Penguins

The NHL team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania that has a long-standing rivalry with the Philadelphia Flyers.

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What’s next

The Flyers and Penguins will face off in the first round of the 2026 NHL playoffs, renewing their heated postseason rivalry.

The takeaway

The Flyers-Penguins playoff matchup is one of the most anticipated in the NHL, with the two Pennsylvania rivals meeting in the postseason for the 8th time. The Penguins have had the upper hand in recent years, but the Flyers' return to the playoffs sets up an intriguing first-round clash between the two teams.