Penguins and Flyers Set for First-Round NHL Playoff Clash

Complete schedule, TV channels, and streaming options for the Stanley Cup Playoffs series between the two Pennsylvania rivals.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 1:54pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers, with the players and action broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color and shape.The Penguins-Flyers rivalry takes center stage as the two Pennsylvania teams clash in the first round of the 2026 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs.Today in Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers will meet in the first round of the 2026 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs, the first time the two Pennsylvania rivals have faced off in the postseason since 2018. The Penguins secured the No. 2 seed in the Metropolitan Division, setting up the heavyweight clash with a Flyers squad that won six of its last seven games to clinch a playoff berth. Both teams are led by first-year head coaches, with Pittsburgh's Dan Muse and Philadelphia's Rick Tocchet looking to guide their squads deep into the postseason.

Why it matters

The Penguins-Flyers rivalry is one of the most intense in the NHL, with the two teams meeting in the playoffs 12 times since 1989. This series will reignite the cross-state feud and provide high-stakes drama for hockey fans in Pennsylvania and beyond. The winner will advance to face either the Hurricanes or the Capitals in the second round.

The details

The series will begin on April 18 with Game 1 in Pittsburgh, followed by Game 2 on April 20. The series then shifts to Philadelphia for Games 3 and 4 on April 22 and April 25 respectively. If necessary, Games 5, 6, and 7 will be played on April 27, April 29, and May 2. All games will be nationally televised, with ESPN, TNT, and TBS providing coverage.

  • The series begins on April 18 with Game 1 in Pittsburgh.
  • Game 2 will be played on April 20 in Pittsburgh.
  • Games 3 and 4 will be in Philadelphia on April 22 and April 25 respectively.
  • If necessary, Games 5, 6, and 7 will be on April 27, April 29, and May 2 respectively.

The players

Dan Muse

First-year head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins, who led the team to a 98-point season and the No. 2 seed in the Metropolitan Division.

Rick Tocchet

First-year head coach of the Philadelphia Flyers, who guided the team to a playoff berth after they won six of their last seven games.

Travis Konecny

Leading scorer for the Philadelphia Flyers, tallying over 60 points this season.

Trevor Zegras

Standout forward for the Philadelphia Flyers, also recording over 60 points in the regular season.

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What they’re saying

“We must be ready for a battle. The Penguins-Flyers rivalry is one of the best in hockey, and this playoff series is going to be intense.”

— Rick Tocchet, Head Coach, Philadelphia Flyers

“Our team has worked hard all season to get to this point. We're excited for the challenge of facing the Flyers in the playoffs and continuing our quest for the Stanley Cup.”

— Dan Muse, Head Coach, Pittsburgh Penguins

What’s next

The winner of the Penguins-Flyers series will advance to face either the Carolina Hurricanes or the Washington Capitals in the second round of the 2026 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The takeaway

This first-round playoff matchup between the Penguins and Flyers will reignite one of the NHL's fiercest rivalries, providing high-stakes drama and excitement for hockey fans in Pennsylvania and across the league. Both teams are led by new head coaches looking to guide their squads deep into the postseason, setting the stage for an intense and closely contested series.