Penguins' Bryan Rust Scores Late in Game 1 Loss

Veteran winger tallies power-play goal but Pittsburgh falls short against rival Flyers

Apr. 19, 2026 at 4:35am

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Pittsburgh Penguins forward Bryan Rust scored a late power-play goal in Saturday's 3-2 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series. Rust's tally at 18:59 of the third period brought the Penguins within one goal, but they were unable to complete the comeback. The 33-year-old winger finished the regular season with 29 goals and 65 points, matching his career-best point total from the previous year.

Why it matters

Rust is a key offensive contributor for the Penguins, and his late goal in the series opener shows he can still make an impact even in a losing effort. Pittsburgh will need more production from Rust and their other top scorers if they hope to advance past their in-state rival Flyers.

The details

With the Penguins trailing 3-1 late in the third period, Rust scored on the power play to pull his team within a goal. However, the Penguins were unable to find the equalizer before time expired. Rust finished the regular season with 29 goals and 65 points, tying his career high in points from the 2021-22 campaign.

  • The goal came at 18:59 of the third period in Saturday's Game 1 matchup.

The players

Bryan Rust

A 33-year-old veteran winger for the Pittsburgh Penguins who scored a late power-play goal in Game 1 against the Philadelphia Flyers.

Pittsburgh Penguins

An NHL team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania that lost Game 1 of their first-round playoff series against the Philadelphia Flyers.

Philadelphia Flyers

An NHL team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-2 in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series.

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What they’re saying

“We needed that late goal from Rusty to give us a chance, but we just couldn't get the equalizer. We'll regroup and come out stronger in Game 2.”

— Sidney Crosby, Penguins Captain

What’s next

The Penguins and Flyers will face off in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series on Monday night in Philadelphia.

The takeaway

Despite Rust's late heroics, the Penguins were unable to overcome their early deficit against their in-state rival Flyers in Game 1. Pittsburgh will need to find more offensive production from their top players if they hope to even the series in Game 2.