Considering the team has missed the playoffs for five seasons, the Philadelphia Flyers are soaring through the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The team’s 3-2 win in the first game against the Pittsburgh Penguins likely came as a shock to most hockey fans. The Flyers had only a 3.8% chance of making the playoffs as of the Olympic break: to come out and win over a relatively consistent Penguins team was nothing short of stunning.
In the second game, still in Pittsburgh, the Flyers blanked the Penguins. Porter Martone continues to make a name for himself in the league, only skating for just over a month, scoring the game winning goals in both games one and two. Dan Vladar made 27 saves to earn the Flyers’ first shutout since January 2025. Philadelphia did end up in the penalty box quite a bit, giving Pittsburgh five power play opportunities.
In game three, the Philadelphia crowd was raucous and ready to welcome their team back to the playoffs, as was Gritty, the Flyers’ mascot who had never attended a playoff game. Once again, the Flyers allowed five power play opportunities for the Penguins, who scored both of their goals on the man advantage.
And the penalty box goes wild! pic.twitter.com/5eMJwDBsql
— x – Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) April 23, 2026
Vladar once again had a solid game, making another 27 saves. Trevor Zegras has been another standout player in this series, with three points across the games—two in game three— and bringing the energy to the ice.
Captain Sean Couturier also has three points and is seemingly leading his team through a strong first round. The Flyers’ defense is also making their presence known, with Jamie Drysdale and Rasmus Ristolainen both having three points as well.
The team is playing well. While it may not be the best hockey product ever displayed during the playoffs, the team looks solid. They are aggressive and creating high-danger chances. The drought may be to their advantage, especially when combined with the rowdy crowds in Philadelphia.
Puck ‘em. #IgniteTheOrange pic.twitter.com/5LdSUJax74
— x – Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) April 25, 2026
Game four is at 8 p.m. on April 25 in Philadelphia. The team has the chance to win their first playoff series since 2020 and sweep a series for the first time since 1995. The Flyers have outscored the Penguins 11-4 in the series thus far. And, possibly notable, the Penguins are 0-6 when trailing 0-3 in the playoffs. Pittsburgh will be switching things up between the pipes, putting Artur Silovs in net for Saturday’s game, while the Flyers stick with Vladar.
