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The Pittsburgh Penguins face off against the Philadelphia Flyers in Game 1 of the 2026 NHL Playoffs, marking their eighth postseason meeting. The Flyers lead the series 4-3 historically.
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Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin
Penguins vs. Flyers Score, Live Updates, Highlights From Game 1 of NHL Playoffs Series originally appeared on SportsNet Pittsburgh. Add SportsNet Pittsburgh as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Battle of Pennsylvania will take center stage in the first round of the 2026 NHL Playoffs, reigniting one of the most physical rivalries in professional sports. This latest series will mark the eighth postseason meeting between the Penguins and Flyers with Philadelphia holding a slight 4–3 edge.
For a veteran Pittsburgh core led by Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang and Erik Karlsson, this return to the playoffs is a prime opportunity to prove the Pens' championship window remains wide open. Under first-year head coach Dan Muse, the Penguins had an elite offense that averaged 3.54 goals per game in the regular season.
The Penguins and Flyers have met in the playoffs eight times, with the Flyers holding a 4-3 edge in those series.
Key players for the Penguins include Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang, and Erik Karlsson.
The Penguins averaged 3.54 goals per game during the regular season, showcasing an elite offensive performance.
The head coach of the Penguins for the 2026 playoffs is Dan Muse, who is in his first year with the team.

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The Flyers enter this matchup after snapping their own playoff drought under first-year head coach Rick Tocchet. Philadelphia's attack is spearheaded by Travis Konecny and Trevor Zegras, both of whom crossed the 65-point threshold this season to lead a resurgent offense.
Now, both teams will look to begin their quest for the Stanley Cup with a statement win at PPG Paints Arena.
Follow along right here for live updates, highlights and analysis throughout Game 1 between the Penguins and Flyers.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | F | |
| Flyers | ||||
| Penguins |
**7:00 p.m.:**The Pittsburgh Penguins are back in the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2022, and the opponent is the perfect opener for Dan Muse and co.
Tonight, we have Game 1 of the Battle of Pennsylvania, with the Philadelphia Flyers coming into PPG Paints Arena; Philadelphia also snapped a playoff drought under a first year head coach in Rick Tocchet.
Stay tuned for live updates and highlights throughout the night as Pittsbugrh gets its playoff campaign started.
Penguins vs. Flyers will air locally on SportsNet Pittsburgh. Game 1 will also be available to stream on SNP 360 and fubo.
Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100-plus top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
Penguins vs. Flyers is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, April 18. Game 1 will be played at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh.
| Date | Game | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 18 | Game 1: Flyers vs. Penguins | 8 p.m. | SNP, SNP 360, fubo |
| April 20 | Game 2: Flyers vs. Penguins | 7 p.m. | SNP, SNP 360, fubo |
| April 22 | Game 3: Penguins vs. Flyers | 7 p.m. | SNP, SNP 360, fubo |
| April 25 | Game 4: Penguins vs. Flyers | 8 p.m. | SNP, SNP 360, fubo |
| April 27 | Game 5*: Flyers vs. Penguins | TBD | TBD |
| April 29 | Game 6*: Penguins vs. Flyers | TBD | TBD |
| May 2 | Game 7*: Flyers vs. Penguins | TBD | TBD |
*If necessary
Here are the key dates to know for the NHL Playoffs:
| Event | Dates |
|---|---|
| First round begins | April 18 |
| Second round begins | May 2* |
| Conference finals begin | May 17* |
| Stanley Cup Final begins | June 3* |
| Last possible day for Game 7 | June 21 |
*Can move up depending on earlier series