When do the Penguins play the Flyers? NHL playoff schedule release date

Jan 15, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Flyers left wing Noah Cates (27) shoots the puck as Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) defends during the first period at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Penguins playoff tickets aren't on sale yet through the team's website, but they can be purchased on third-party sites like SeatGeek and StubHub.

Penguins vs. Flyers playoff history

The Penguins and Flyers have a lengthy and notable playoff history.

This will be the eighth meeting between the cross-state rivals, with the last matchup taking place in 2018 when the Penguins defeated the Flyers in six games in the first round.

In 2008, the Pens beat the Flyers in five games in the Eastern Conference Finals before losing the Stanley Cup Final to the Red Wings. The following season, they defeated the Flyers in the conference quarterfinals before winning the Stanley Cup.

The Flyers were victorious in the Eastern Conference quarterfinals in 2012, 2000 and in 1997, when the team lost to the Red Wings in the Cup Finals.

The first matchup came during the 1989 Patrick Division Finals, which the Flyers won in seven games.

Penguins vs. Flyers stats

The Penguins finished the season 41-24-16, clinching the second spot in the Metropolitan Division, while the Flyers finished third in the division at 42-27-12.

The two teams split the season series 2-2. Here's a look at the previous matchups:

• Oct. 28: Flyers 3, Penguins 2 (shootout)
• Dec. 1: Penguins 5, Flyers 1
• Jan. 15: Penguins 6, Flyers 3
• March 7: Flyers 4, Penguins 3 (shootout)

Last time Penguins made the playoffs

The Penguins were on a 16-year streak of being in the running for the Stanley Cup the last time they were in the playoffs in 2022. They were knocked out of the running during the first round in Game 7 against the New York Rangers.

The team won the Stanley Cup two consecutive years in 2016 and 2017, beating the San Jose Sharks and Nashville Predators, respectively, for their titles.

The last time the Flyers made the playoffs was in the 2019-20 season.

How the Penguins clinched a 2026 Stanley Cup Playoff spot

The Penguins secured a spot in the playoffs during their April 9 game against the New Jersey Devils, with Bryan Rust scoring his 29th goal of the season on Pittsburgh's first shot of the game.

Over the course of the game, which the Penguins won 5-2, Evgeni Malkin scored, Sidney Crosby set up two goals and Kris Letang had an assist.

Penguins highlights from playoff-clinching game

NHL 2026 playoffs

Playoffs are set to begin April 18, and the regular season ends on April 16. The date and times for each matchup have yet to be announced and are expected to come once the standings are set.

NHL playoff bracket

For the latest NHL playoff matchups, you can find the bracket at nhl.com/playoffs/2026/bracket.

Penguins stats

The Penguins are led by center Sidney Crosby (74 points – 29 goals, 45 assists) and defenseman Erik Karlsson (66 points – 15 goals, 51 assists). Their points leader among wingers is Bryan Rust (65 points – 29 goals, 36 assists).

Goalie Artus Silovs was 19-12-8 with a 3.07 GAA and .888 save percentage during the regular season, while goalie Stuart Skinner was 12-9-5 with a 2.99 GAA and .885 save percentage.

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