Penguins drop Game 1 to Flyers

Philadelphia outhits, outshots Pittsburgh in series opener

Apr. 19, 2026 at 3:18am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting a hockey game, with the players and ice reduced to abstract geometric shapes and planes of color, the puck as the central focal point.The Penguins and Flyers' intense playoff rivalry is captured in a cubist, geometric deconstruction of the game's action.Today in Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Penguins fell to the Philadelphia Flyers 3-2 in Game 1 of their playoff series on Saturday night. The Flyers outhit and outshot the Penguins throughout the game, with Philadelphia defenseman Jamie Drysdale scoring the game-winning goal in the second period.

Why it matters

This loss puts the Penguins in an early hole in the series, as the Flyers now have home-ice advantage. The cross-state rivalry between these two teams always makes for intense playoff matchups, and this game was no exception with a high number of hits and after-the-whistle scrums.

The details

The Flyers outhit the Penguins 30-20 in the first period alone, setting the physical tone early. Neither team was able to convert on their power play opportunities in the opening frame. In the second period, Flyers defenseman Jamie Drysdale scored the game-winning goal, with the Penguins' entire five-man unit stuck on the ice for over a minute, allowing the Flyers to cycle the puck and wear them down.

  • The game was played on Saturday, April 19, 2026.
  • Game 2 of the series will be played on Monday, April 21, 2026.

The players

Jamie Drysdale

A defenseman for the Philadelphia Flyers who scored the game-winning goal in the second period.

Stuart Skinner

The starting goaltender for the Pittsburgh Penguins, who made several key saves but was ultimately beaten three times.

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What’s next

Game 2 of the series will be played on Monday, April 21, 2026 in Pittsburgh. The Flyers will look to take a 2-0 series lead back to Philadelphia, while the Penguins will aim to even the series at home.

The takeaway

This game highlighted the intense rivalry between the Penguins and Flyers, with the physical play and after-the-whistle scrums setting the tone. The Flyers' ability to outshoot and outchance the Penguins, eventually leading to the game-winning goal, gives them the early advantage in the series.