Penguins/Flyers Update: Pens get new lines, Vladar misses practice

TL;DR

The Pittsburgh Penguins are adjusting their lines ahead of Game 4 against the Philadelphia Flyers, bringing back a successful trio. Flyers' goaltender Dan Vladar missed practice due to an injury, raising concerns for his availability.

Key points

Penguins are adjusting their lines for Game 4.
Egor Chinakhov returns to play with Malkin and Novak.
Dan Vladar missed practice due to a right arm injury.
Vladar has been effective in the series with a 1.33 GAA.
Pittsburgh must win Game 4 to extend their season.

Pittsburgh PenguinsPhiladelphia FlyersDan VladarEvgeni Malkin

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 22: Goaltender Dan Vladar #80 of the Philadelphia Flyers makes a save as Rasmus Ristolainen #55 defends against Rickard Rakell #67 of the Pittsburgh Penguins in Game Three of the First Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Xfinity Mobile Arena on April 22, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Len Redkoles/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images Both the Penguins and Flyers took advantage of the extra day off in between games on Friday to get a practice in ahead of Saturday night’s Game 4. Pittsburgh is going back to a successful line, putting Egor Chinakhov back with Evgeni Malkin and Tommy Novak. The trio shined towards the end of the year but has gotten little steady work together this series with Rickard Rakell centering Novak and Malkin in the early portion of games, followed by playing there last game. The other big changes for the Pens involved swapping out (a healthy scratch in Game 3) for . There might be the first switch on the blueline all series, skated with in the spot that has been holding down. Over on the other side of the matchup, some goalie drama is brewing. Dan Vladar has had the Pens’ number this series (3-0, 1.33 GAA, .946 save%) but hasn’t skated since Game 3. Vladar was checked out on his right arm after drove to the net in Game 3. Vladar would give up a goal to soon after this event, and was noticeably flexing his hand out for a while. You wouldn’t expect cagey coach Rick Tocchet to provide much in the way of detailed information at this time of year and sure enough he hasn’t given out that much information besides the obvious that Vladar has been off the ice. Tocchet admitted Vladar is “banged up” on Thursday, by today Tocchet was pointing out the two days between Games 3 and 4 will help the Flyer goalie before giving the classic “we’ll see” routine. If Vladar can’t go for Game 4 – or is showing ill effects of his injury – that could be a benefit for the Penguins. Backup Sam Ersson hasn’t had nearly the season that Vladar has had and would represent a big opportunity for the Pens to increase the measly four goals in three games that they’ve generated to put them in an 0-3 hole. Pittsburgh has to win tomorrow night (game time: after 8:00pm) in order to extend their season for a Game 5 that would be played on Monday back in the ‘Burgh.

Q&A

What changes did the Penguins make to their lines for Game 4?

The Penguins are reuniting Egor Chinakhov with Evgeni Malkin and Tommy Novak, while swapping Elmer Soderblom for Justin Brazeau.

Why did Dan Vladar miss practice before Game 4?

Dan Vladar missed practice due to a right arm injury sustained during Game 3, raising doubts about his availability for the upcoming game.

What are the implications if Vladar cannot play in Game 4?

If Vladar is unable to play, backup Sam Ersson would take over, presenting a significant opportunity for the Penguins to capitalize on their scoring struggles.