Penguins and Flyers Set for Playoff Clash

Veteran Penguins face off against young Flyers in first-round NHL playoff series

Apr. 17, 2026 at 3:42pm

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The Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers will meet in the first round of the 2026 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Penguins, led by veteran stars Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, are making their return to the postseason after a three-year drought. The Flyers, featuring a young core including Trevor Zegras and Matvei Michkov, clinched the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot. This series pits Pittsburgh's playoff experience and elite special teams against Philadelphia's stifling defense and up-and-coming talent.

Why it matters

This first-round matchup between the longtime Pennsylvania rivals is a clash of contrasting styles. The Penguins are looking to make one more playoff run with their legendary duo of Crosby and Malkin, while the Flyers hope their young core can gain valuable postseason experience. The outcome of this series could determine the future direction of both franchises.

The details

The Penguins squeaked into the playoffs with 98 points, overcoming injuries to Crosby and Malkin. They boast the league's third-best offense and elite special teams, but goaltending remains a concern. The Flyers secured the final wild-card spot with a strong finish, led by the defensive play of goaltender Dan Vladar and a stingy team defense. However, Philadelphia struggles on special teams, ranking last on the power play and 22nd on the penalty kill.

  • Game 1 is set for Saturday, April 18 at 8:00 p.m. ET.
  • The Penguins missed the playoffs the previous three seasons.

The players

Sidney Crosby

The legendary Penguins captain and three-time Stanley Cup champion is looking to lead Pittsburgh on one more deep playoff run before retirement.

Evgeni Malkin

Crosby's longtime teammate and fellow Penguins superstar, Malkin has won three Stanley Cups with the franchise.

Trevor Zegras

The young Flyers forward is part of the team's promising core, looking to gain valuable playoff experience.

Matvei Michkov

Another rising star for the Flyers, Michkov will play a key role in Philadelphia's attempt to upset the veteran Penguins.

Dan Vladar

The Flyers' starting goaltender had a career-best season, anchoring a stingy Philadelphia defense.

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What they’re saying

“This series is a battle of old guys vs. young guys, and the Flyers are the young guys. Pittsburgh will trust its veteran leadership, while Philadelphia will hope its first playoff appearance in five years will be a memorable one.”

— Hunter Skoczylas, Author

“If the Penguins are going to win, they'll need improved goaltending. If the Flyers want to win, they'll want to play disciplined and keep the game at even strength.”

— Hunter Skoczylas, Author

What’s next

Game 1 of the Penguins-Flyers series is scheduled for Saturday, April 18 at 8:00 p.m. ET.

The takeaway

This first-round matchup between the Penguins and Flyers features a clash of styles, with Pittsburgh's veteran leadership and offensive firepower going up against Philadelphia's young talent and stifling defense. The outcome could have major implications for the future of both franchises.