Penguins vs. Flyers Score, Live Updates, Highlights From Game 1 of NHL Playoffs Series

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Apr 19, 2026 - 07:30
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Penguins vs. Flyers Score, Live Updates, Highlights From Game 1 of NHL Playoffs Series
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 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.

Penguins vs. Flyers score

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Penguins vs. Flyers live updates, highlights from Game 1

Flyers 1, Penguins 1

9:49 p.m.: Pittsburgh has evened it up, and the first postseason goal since 2022 for the Penguins comes from the three-time Stanley Cup winner Evgeni Malkin.

After a period of sustained zone time, Malkin comes off the boards and slides a shot from the right circle through Vladar's pads. It's back to a tie game, and the Penguins are on the board in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

9:46 p.m,: The Penguins can't score on the power play, with the game still 1-0. As the clock winds towards the six-minute mark in the first, Philadelphia still leads 1-0.

Pittsburgh has had more puck possession at 60%, but does not have a goal to show for it.

9:38 p.m.: The Penguins are going to have a chance to level up the game on the power play.

It's Travis Sanheim going to the box after he knocked down Crosby right in front of Vladar. It gives Pittsburgh — who only has nine shots in the contest — a prime opportunity.

Flyers 1, Penguins 0

9:35 p.m. GOAL: The road team Flyers are the first team on the board.

It's Drysdale, who rips a wrister from the right circle and past Skinner, who looked like he couldn't see on the play. It's his first career playoff goal.

With it, the Flyers have the first lead of the series.

9:34 p.m.: The pace of the game has sped up, with teams going end to end and getting shots off.

Now, Owen Tippett has his wrist hot saved by Skinner.

9:29 p.m.: With 13:48 remaining in the middle frame, the score is still 0-0.

Pittsburgh has had more zone time this period, but a few giveaways have allowed Philadelphia to have the better opportunities so far this period. Though, Skinner has passed every test so far.

9:24 p.m.: The Flyers have the first real chance of the second, with a 2-on-1 being saved by Skinner after Pittsburgh lost the puck at the blue line.

9:20 p.m.: The second period is underway in Pittsburgh.

The Penguins and Flyers traded chances in the first, but neither could light the lamp. Expect the physicality to go up this period as both teams are settled in.

End of the first period: Flyers 0, Penguins 0

9:02 p.m.: At the end of one, we're scoreless in Pittsburgh. 

The Flyers have outshot the Penguins, but Skinner has stood tall. On the other side, Vladar has made all the saves he's had to make. Let's see what team can break the deadlock in the second.

8:55 p.m.: As the clock ticks under four minutes, the Penguins have some sustained zone time but fail to register a shot. They only have five in the period.

Both teams have had solid goaltending in the first frame, with Vladar and Skinner making saves.

8:46 p.m.: The teams are heading to a 4-on-4 with Crosby going to the box for a roughing penalty and Jamie Drysdale, the Flyers defensemen, going as well for not getting his helmet.

8:44 p.m.: Halfway through the first, the game is still scoreless at PPG Paints Arena.

Philadelphia currently holds the shot advantage at 6-3 as both teams are settling in.

8:40 p.m.: It looked like the Flyers might have had a goal, but Christian Dvorak kicked the puck into the net. Though, he fell on top of Skinner, who is being attended to by trainers.

The Penguins goaltender is back up with the score 0-0.

8:35 p.m.: Now, Philadelphia will head to the power play.

After Tyson Foerster gets hold of a puck and has his backhander saved by Skinner, a whistle is blown, and Kris Letang is going to the box for interference.

8:31 p.m.: Yegor Chinakov had two shots on the power play, but the game stays 0-0. Then, Philadelphia gets its first shot back at full strength, but it's staved away by Stuart Skinner.

8:28 p.m.: Less than two minutes in, we have some physicality already. It's Rasmus Ristolainen of Philadelphia who gets called for interference, giving the Penguins power play an early opportunity.

8:25 p.m.: The puck has dropped and the Battle of Pennsylvania is officially underway. 

Here. We. Go.

8:22 p.m.: Puck drop has been delayed due to the Stars vs. Wild game going long, but it should be coming in the next few minutes.

The Battle of Pennsylvania has to wait just a little longer.

8:10 p.m.: It's time, Penguins fans.

7:59 p.m.: Puck drop is minutes away.

The Penguins and Flyers meet in the postseason for the first time since 2018, when Pittsburgh won in six games. This time around, the stakes are just as high.

Let's see how Game 1 unfolds.

7:55 p.m.: Here are Pittsburgh's lines for Game 1.

7:44 p.m.: Penguins fans are filling up PPG Paints Arena for the first playoff game since 2022.

7:36 p.m.: The Penguins and Flyers split their four-game regular season series with two wins apiece, though Pittsburgh managed to secure points in every contest. The Flyers took both of their victories in shootouts, winning 3-2 in October and 4-3 in March, while the Penguins earned more decisive regulation wins of 5-1 and 6-3 during the middle of the season.

With both teams finishing the year tied at 98 points in the Metropolitan Division, this even split has set a perfect stage for their first-round playoff matchup beginning tonight.

7:26 p.m.: Get ready for the Battle of Pennsylvania.

7:17 p.m.: In goal for the Penguins for Game 1 is Stuart Skinner, who was traded from the Edmonton Oilers in December.

Skinner brings playoff experience, appearing in the last two Stanley Cup Finals. The goaltender is 26-22-0 in 50 games with a goals against average of 2.88 and a save percentage of .893 in the playoffs in his career.

7:07 p.m.: With Pittsburgh back in the postseason, all eyes are of course on No. 87, Sidney Crosby.

The Penguins captain has three Stanley Cups and is looking to add another in the late stage of his career. His stats against the cross-state rival are near video game category.

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. 

How to watch Penguins vs. Flyers Game 1: TV channel, live stream

  • TV channel: SportsNet Pittsburgh
  • Live stream: SNP 360, fubo

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 Game 1 start time

  • Date: Saturday, April 18
  • Time: 8 p.m. ET

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.

Penguins vs. Flyers schedule

DateGameTime (ET)TV/Live stream
April 18 Game 1: Flyers vs. Penguins8 p.m.SNP, SNP 360, fubo
April 20Game 2: Flyers vs. Penguins7 p.m.SNP, SNP 360, fubo
April 22Game 3: Penguins vs. Flyers7 p.m.SNP, SNP 360, fubo
April 25Game 4: Penguins vs. Flyers8 p.m.SNP, SNP 360, fubo
April 27Game 5*: Flyers vs. PenguinsTBDTBD
April 29Game 6*: Penguins vs. FlyersTBDTBD
May 2Game 7*: Flyers vs. PenguinsTBDTBD

*If necessary

NHL Playoffs schedule, key dates for 2026

Here are the key dates to know for the NHL Playoffs:

EventDates
First round beginsApril 18
Second round beginsMay 2*
Conference finals beginMay 17*
Stanley Cup Final beginsJune 3*
Last possible day for Game 7June 21

*Can move up depending on earlier series

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