Penguins and Flyers Renew Playoff Rivalry

Veteran-led Penguins face off against young Flyers squad in first-round matchup

Apr. 18, 2026 at 4:11am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers, with the players and action on the ice broken down into abstract, overlapping shapes and planes of color.The storied rivalry between the Penguins and Flyers is renewed in the playoffs, with both teams' veteran leadership and youthful energy colliding in a high-stakes first-round matchup.Today in Pittsburgh

For the first time in eight seasons, the Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers will meet in the Stanley Cup playoffs, with the opening game of their first-round series taking place tonight in Pittsburgh. The Flyers, led by a young core, are making their first playoff appearance since 2020, while the Penguins, featuring veteran stars Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, are looking to make one last run at the Cup.

Why it matters

This Battle of Pennsylvania playoff matchup pits two franchises with a storied rivalry against each other. The Penguins and Flyers have met in the postseason seven times previously, with the Penguins holding a 4-3 series advantage. The outcome of this series could have major implications for the future of both teams, as the Flyers look to establish their young core while the Penguins aim to send their veteran leaders out on a high note.

The details

The Flyers are the third-youngest team in the playoffs, led by players like Travis Konecny, Sean Couturier, and Travis Sanheim. However, they've been playing their best hockey down the stretch, going 18-7-1 after the Olympics to clinch a playoff spot. Rookie goaltender Dan Vladar will make his first career playoff start for the Flyers, while the Penguins have a decision to make in net between Arturs Silovs and Stuart Skinner. On the other side, the Penguins are led by the veteran duo of Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, who have three Stanley Cup titles together and are looking to make one last championship run.

  • The opening game of the Penguins-Flyers first-round series will take place tonight (April 18, 2026).
  • The Flyers last made the playoffs in 2020, while the Penguins' last playoff appearance was in 2022.

The players

Sidney Crosby

The 38-year-old captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins, who has led the team to three Stanley Cup championships in his nearly two decades with the franchise.

Evgeni Malkin

The 39-year-old center for the Pittsburgh Penguins, who has won three Stanley Cups alongside Sidney Crosby and is looking to make one last championship run.

Travis Konecny

A forward for the Philadelphia Flyers who is one of the few remaining players from the team's last playoff appearance in 2020.

Sean Couturier

A veteran forward for the Philadelphia Flyers who has been a key part of the team's surprising playoff push this season.

Dan Vladar

The starting goaltender for the Philadelphia Flyers, who will be making his first career playoff start.

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What they’re saying

“I don't want these guys to be nervous if they make a mistake. Then I'm not doing my job if I'm making these guys nervous.”

— Rick Tocchet, Head Coach, Philadelphia Flyers

“I don't have to say anything. I know for sure that the guys that have the significant playoff experience ... are going to be playing a big role there in just terms of helping along the guys that this is their first time.”

— Dan Muse, Head Coach, Pittsburgh Penguins

What’s next

The winner of this series will advance to the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs to face the winner of the series between the Carolina Hurricanes and New York Rangers.

The takeaway

This first-round playoff matchup between the Penguins and Flyers showcases the contrast between the veteran leadership of Pittsburgh's core and the youthful exuberance of Philadelphia's up-and-coming squad. The outcome could have lasting implications for both franchises as they chart their paths forward.