Penguins Weighing Goalie Decision for Game 1 Against Flyers

Skinner has edge on Silovs in playoff experience, 'both guys have been great'

Apr. 17, 2026 at 7:21pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey goaltender making a save, with the player's form broken down into overlapping planes of blue, gold, orange, and black, reflecting the team colors of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers.The Penguins' goaltending decision for the playoff opener against their division rival Flyers could prove pivotal in the hotly contested series.Today in Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Penguins are facing a tough decision in goal for Game 1 of their Eastern Conference First Round matchup against the Philadelphia Flyers. Veteran goaltender Tristan Skinner and rookie Arturs Silovs have both played well this season, leaving coach Dan Muse with a difficult choice on who to start in the series opener.

Why it matters

The Penguins' goaltending decision could have a major impact on the outcome of the series against their division rival Flyers. Skinner has more playoff experience, but Silovs has also proven himself capable of stealing games. The choice between the two could determine which team gains an early advantage in the hotly contested matchup.

The details

Skinner was acquired by the Penguins in December in a trade with the Edmonton Oilers, while Silovs is in his first full NHL season at age 25. Skinner has played 27 games for Pittsburgh since the trade, posting a 2.99 goals-against average and .885 save percentage, while Silovs has appeared in 26 games with a 3.07 GAA and .888 save percentage. The key difference is playoff experience, as Skinner has 38 postseason games under his belt compared to just 10 for Silovs.

  • The Penguins and Flyers will face off in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference First Round series on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 8 p.m. ET.

The players

Tristan Skinner

A veteran goaltender acquired by the Penguins in December, Skinner has 38 games of playoff experience over the past two seasons, including a run to the Stanley Cup Final.

Arturs Silovs

A 25-year-old goaltender in his first full NHL season, Silovs has played 26 games for the Penguins this year and has 10 games of playoff experience from his time with the Vancouver Canucks.

Dan Muse

The head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Muse must decide between Skinner and Silovs as his starting goaltender for Game 1 against the Flyers.

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What they’re saying

“I think no matter what way you go, you're going to have a good team. You're going to have a good goalie. You're going to have a good opportunity to win every single series. So, I think no matter what the lineup may look like, no matter who's starting between me and 'Arty,' you're going to get some guys that know how to win games.”

— Tristan Skinner, Penguins Goaltender

“It's been great. I like him, as a guy, too. I think we're trying to be, like, two pillars, trying to hold the net as best as we can. We made the playoffs, so it's a new page and a new chapter to write.”

— Arturs Silovs, Penguins Goaltender

“It's good for Arty, obviously. It's good for our group. I think experience, you never have enough. I think it's going to be great to have him with us.”

— Kris Letang, Penguins Defenseman

What’s next

The Penguins will announce their starting goaltender for Game 1 against the Flyers on Saturday, April 18th.

The takeaway

The Penguins' goaltending decision for the playoff opener against the Flyers is a tough one, with both Skinner and Silovs having strong regular seasons. Skinner's edge in playoff experience could give him the nod, but Silovs has also proven he can steal games. Whichever netminder gets the call, the Penguins will need strong goaltending to advance past their division rival.