Philadelphia Flyers Lead Pittsburgh Penguins 3-0 in First-Round NHL Playoffs The Philadelphia Flyers have taken a commanding 3-0 lead in their first-round NHL Stanley Cup playoff series against the Pittsburgh Penguins, putting them one win away from advancing to the second round. The Flyers, who earned a playoff berth for the first time in over five years, have dominated their cross-state rivals in the 2026 postseason, with Game 3 marking a pivotal moment in the series. Game 4 of the series is set for April 25 at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, where the Flyers will host the Penguins at 8 p.m. ET. The matchup will be broadcast on ESPN, NBC Sports Philadelphia, and streamed via ESPN+, Hulu, and Max. If the series extends beyond four games, potential matchups include Game 5 on April 27 at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Game 6 on April 29 back in Philadelphia, and a potential Game 7 on May 2 in Pittsburgh. The Flyers’ dominance in the series has been evident in their recent performances. In Game 3, the Flyers secured a 5-2 victory over the Penguins, with four players scoring their first career playoff goals. Rasmus Ristolainen opened the scoring with a powerplay goal, followed by contributions from Nick Seeler, Noah Cates, and Owen Tippett, who capped the game with an empty-net tally. The Flyers’ offensive surge came after a rocky first period, during which the Penguins’ Evgeni Malkin scored a powerplay goal to put Pittsburgh ahead. However, the Flyers quickly turned the tide, with Trevor Zegras tying the game and Ristolainen taking control of the momentum. The series has also been marked by intense physical play and moments of controversy. In Game 3, Travis Konecny sparked a scrum with Pittsburgh’s Bryan Rust, leading to a near brawl and 11 penalties.#philadelphia_flyers #ppg_paints_arena #xfinity_mobile_arena #pittsburgh_penguins #sidney_crosby
NHL Playoff Bracket and 2026 Standings: Final Clinches and Matchups The 2026 NHL playoffs officially begin on April 18, with the final playoff spots determined after a dramatic weekend of games on April 13. Thirteen of the 16 playoff berths were already secured, but the Philadelphia Flyers, Anaheim Ducks, and Los Angeles Kings clinched the remaining three spots in a flurry of late-season action. The Flyers secured their first playoff berth since 2021 with a 3-2 shootout victory over the Carolina Hurricanes, setting up a first-round matchup against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Ducks, who had not reached the postseason since 2019, clinched by capitalizing on the Nashville Predators’ loss to the San Jose Sharks. The Kings, making their first playoff appearance since 2014, beat the Seattle Kraken 5-3 to secure their spot, with the Predators’ regulation loss also sealing the Ducks’ return. The Eastern Conference playoff bracket was finalized with the Hurricanes securing the top seed in the Metropolitan Division and the Buffalo Sabres claiming the Atlantic Division title. The Hurricanes’ 3-2 overtime loss to the Flyers gave them the best record in the East, while the Sabres’ 5-1 rout of the Chicago Blackhawks clinched their first division title since 2010. The Sabres will face the Boston Bruins, the first wild-card team, in the first round. The Hurricanes, meanwhile, will host the second wild-card team, the Ottawa Senators, in the opening round. In the Western Conference, the Colorado Avalanche retained their Presidents’ Trophy title with a 2-1 shootout win over the Edmonton Oilers, while the Vegas Golden Knights extended their playoff streak with a 6-2 victory over the Winnipeg Jets.#los_angeles_kings #philadelphia_flyers #anaheim_ducks #buffalo_sabres #pittsburgh_penguins
NHL Insiders Predict 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs: Key Teams, Risks, and MVP Contenders The NHL’s 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs are set to be a fiercely contested battle, with insiders offering their insights on which teams will rise to the occasion, which might falter, and who could dominate the postseason. Veteran players, coaches, and general managers provided their perspectives, highlighting the competitive landscape and potential surprises. Teams Overlooked but Ready to Shine NHL player Erik Karlsson praised the Pittsburgh Penguins for their structured play and resilience, calling them “just f---ing good” despite growing recognition. He noted their new coach, Dan Muse, has instilled a winning mentality, with players rallying around stars Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Meanwhile, Carolina Hurricanes coach emphasized the team’s underappreciated consistency, arguing they’ve “done what they do” for years and are “poised to break past their barriers.” The Hurricanes, who have never reached the Stanley Cup Final, are seen as a dark horse in the Eastern Conference. Tampa Bay’s Blueprint for Success NHL general manager Julien BriseBois highlighted Tampa Bay’s preparation, stating the team’s staff and players “know exactly what they need to do” to maximize their potential. Despite their age, the Lightning’s experience and depth are seen as key assets. BriseBois praised the team’s goalie and Nikita Kucherov, who has been “on another level,” as critical to their success. Teams at Risk of Underperforming Colorado Avalanche player warned that the team’s high expectations could lead to disappointment if they fail to win the Cup. He noted their “bar has been set so high” and questioned whether they’ll meet the challenge.#tampa_bay_lightning #nhl #macklin_celebrini #pittsburgh_penguins #carolina_hurricanes
Washington Capitals' Playoff Hopes Hang in Balance as Metropolitan Division Race Intensifies The Washington Capitals face a critical juncture in their playoff aspirations as the 2025-26 NHL regular season enters its final stretch. With the Flyers’ loss to the Detroit Red Wings, the Capitals’ path to the Metropolitan Division’s third playoff spot has become more viable, though challenges remain. The Flyers’ 6-3 defeat at Little Caesars Arena stripped them of two crucial points, weakening their grip on the third-place position in the Metro. Meanwhile, the Red Wings’ victory kept their slim hopes for the second wild card alive, while the Flyers’ hold on the third spot now appears precarious. The Metropolitan Division’s third playoff spot is currently contested by four teams: the Flyers (92 standings points), New York Islanders (91), Columbus Blue Jackets (90), and Capitals (89). Each team has three games remaining, setting a maximum ceiling of 98 points for the Flyers, 97 for the Islanders, 96 for the Blue Jackets, and 95 for the Capitals. The Capitals trail the Flyers by three points, but a perfect finish in their remaining games—alongside the other teams failing to exceed 95 points—could secure their place. The Capitals also hold a Regulation Wins tiebreaker over the other three Metro teams, meaning they would advance if they tie any of them at 95. The Capitals’ schedule in the final stretch includes three challenging matchups: a home-and-home series against the Pittsburgh Penguins, with the Penguins having already clinched the Metro’s second playoff spot. The Penguins’ victory over the New Jersey Devils 5-2 eliminated their need to play for the second wild card, leaving the Capitals with a potential first-round matchup against Pittsburgh if they qualify.#philadelphia_flyers #detroit_red_wings #washington_capitals #pittsburgh_penguins #ottawa_senators
Penguins vs Senators Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NHL Game The Ottawa Senators are favored to secure their fifth consecutive victory in a crucial regular-season matchup against the Pittsburgh Penguins, according to expert analysis. The game, set for Thursday, March 26, will be part of the Senators’ push to secure a playoff spot, while the Penguins aim to halt a recent losing streak. The prediction highlights the Senators’ strong performance in recent weeks, including a 4-0 shutout and a 3-2 win over the Penguins this season. The Senators have dominated the league since January 25, posting a 15-3-2 record and earning the second-most points in that span. Their success is largely attributed to their elite goaltending, with a 2.15 goals-against average, the best in the NHL. In contrast, the Penguins have struggled offensively, surrendering 11 goals in their last two games. The absence of key players like Evgeni Malkin and Anthony Mantha, two of Pittsburgh’s top scorers, is expected to further challenge their offensive output. The betting odds reflect the Senators’ dominance, with the moneyline favoring Ottawa at -145, while the Penguins are listed at +125. A puck line bet offers additional options, with the Senators -1.5 at +160 and the Penguins +1.5 at -190. Over/Under bets are also available, with the total set at 6.5 goals. Analysts suggest the Senators’ ability to capitalize on Pittsburgh’s short-handed situations will be a key factor in their favor. Brady Tkachuk, Ottawa’s top scorer, is a focal point of the game, having recorded five goals in his last 10 outings and two against the Penguins this season. Sidney Crosby, meanwhile, is expected to carry a heavier offensive load, with a projected 2.5 shots on goal line.#pittsburgh_penguins #sidney_crosby #ottawa_senators #canadian_tire_centre #brady_tkachuk
Game Preview: 03.26.26 vs. Ottawa Senators The Pittsburgh Penguins will face the Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre on March 26, with puck drop scheduled for 7:00 PM ET. The game will be broadcast on SportsNet Pittsburgh, with live audio available on 105.9 The X and the Penguins app. Pittsburgh enters the matchup with a record of 35-20-16, while Ottawa stands at 38-24-9. The Penguins have a strong historical edge against the Senators, posting points in 16 of their last 23 games (10-7-6) since March 23, 2017. Over a longer span dating back to January 27, 2013, the team has earned points in 28 of 37 contests (20-9-8). Four of the last five games between the teams at the Canadian Tire Centre have gone into overtime. Key players to watch include Justin Brazeau, who has four points (2 goals, 2 assists) in five career games against Ottawa and is a plus-3 in those matchups. Rickard Rakell has points in nine of his last 10 games (4 goals, 7 assists). Captain Sidney Crosby is on a four-game point streak (1 goal, 4 assists) since returning from injury. Erik Karlsson, playing against his former team, has seven assists in 15 career games against the Senators. Stuart Skinner, the Penguins’ goaltender, has a 6-1-0 record in seven games against Ottawa, with a .903 save percentage and a 2.71 goals-against average. Head Coach Dan Muse has guided the Penguins to some of their most consistent play in the league this season. Under his leadership, the team has already surpassed last year’s win total through 71 games and has shown significant improvement in various categories. Crosby is also closing in on NHL history, needing two assists to become the eighth player to reach 1,100 career assists.#pittsburgh_penguins #sidney_crosby #ottawa_senators #sportsnet_pittsburgh #canadian_tire_centre
Pens Points: Back to Raleigh we go The Pittsburgh Penguins have maintained a strong performance despite the absence of key players Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. A significant contributor to their recent success has been defenseman Erik Karlsson, who has delivered some of his best performances in a Pittsburgh jersey. Karlsson’s consistent play has helped stabilize the team’s defense, allowing the Penguins to remain competitive in their current standings. Malkin, however, has hinted at future discussions regarding his contract. During a post-game interview following a 7-2 victory over the Colorado Avalanche, Malkin stated that he and general manager Kyle Dubas plan to revisit his contract situation after the season. Both parties have agreed to delay any formal talks until the summer, prioritizing the completion of the current campaign. Malkin also expressed his intention to continue playing, potentially extending his career beyond the current season by another two years. The team’s forward depth faces a challenge with the injury to forward Blake Lizotte. The Penguins announced on Tuesday that Lizotte will miss an extended period and will undergo a re-evaluation in approximately four weeks. His absence could test the team’s ability to maintain offensive consistency, particularly in the bottom-six forward positions. Beyond the Penguins, the NHL has seen several notable developments. Edmonton Oilers star forward Leon Draisaitl is expected to miss the remainder of the regular season after sustaining a lower-body injury. The Oilers will need to adjust their offensive strategy without one of their most dynamic players. At the NHL General Managers’ meetings, former enforcer George Parros took the opportunity to address the Department of Player Safety.#evgeni_malkin #pittsburgh_penguins #sidney_crosby #erik_karlsson #kyle_dubas
NHL playoff watch: Will the Penguins catch the Hurricanes? The final stretch of the NHL regular season is shaping up as a critical period for division races, with the Metropolitan Division remaining a focal point. The Pittsburgh Penguins, who were not expected to be a playoff contender in the 2025-26 season, have defied expectations by securing second place in the Metro. Their preseason over/under of 77.5 points has already been surpassed, positioning them as a serious threat to the Carolina Hurricanes, who lead the division by seven points. The two teams will face off on Wednesday in a pivotal matchup that could shift the balance of power in the Metro. The Hurricanes, who have dominated the division all season, hold a commanding seven-point lead over the Penguins. However, the Penguins’ upcoming schedule offers a glimmer of hope. Their next game against the Hurricanes on Wednesday, followed by a rematch on March 22, represents a potential "four-point swing" for either team. If Pittsburgh is to challenge the Hurricanes for the division title, these two games are essentially must-wins, given the current gap. Beyond these matchups, the Penguins have only four remaining games against playoff teams, while the Hurricanes face six such contests in their final 13 non-Pittsburgh games. The Hurricanes’ dominance is further underscored by their 97.2% chance of securing the division title, according to Stathletes projections, while the Penguins’ odds stand at a mere 1.5%. Despite these odds, the Penguins’ strong performance this season has kept their playoff hopes alive. Their 83 points place them in second place, with 15 games remaining before the regular season concludes on April 16.#columbus_blue_jackets #nhl #pittsburgh_penguins #carolina_hurricanes #metropolitan_division
Penguins Skate: No Crosby Yet, Several Updates and New Lines DENVER — The Pittsburgh Penguins returned to the ice for their morning skate on Monday ahead of their matchup against the Colorado Avalanche, but the team’s star player, Sidney Crosby, remained sidelined. Crosby, still recovering from a Grade 2 MCL sprain sustained during the Olympics, participated in line rushes with additional forwards Kevin Hayes and Avery Hayes. His absence continues as he works toward full recovery. The team welcomed back Evgeni Malkin, who rejoined the roster after serving a five-game suspension. Malkin’s return prompted coach Dan Muse to adjust the team’s lines, reuniting the Russian forward with fellow winger Egor Chinakhov and center Tommy Novak. This new trio is expected to provide a strong offensive presence in the upcoming game. Other notable updates included the absence of center Blake Lizotte, who was not present at the skate. Rookie Ville Koivunen remained in the lineup on the third line alongside center Ben Kindel and newly returned defenseman Justin Brazeau. Brazeau, who had been out week-to-week with an upper-body injury, took full line rushes during the skate, indicating his readiness to contribute. Former Colorado Avalanche defenseman Sam Girard participated in the skate but was listed as a spare defenseman, suggesting limited role in the game. Meanwhile, the Penguins made roster adjustments by recalling defenseman Jack St. Ivany from his conditioning assignment with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. However, St. Ivany was not present at the skate, and the team sent Alex Alexeyev back to WBS in a corresponding move.#colorado_avalanche #evgeni_malkin #pittsburgh_penguins #sidney_crosby #dan_muse
NHL On Tap: Malkin Back for Penguins, But Crosby Unlikely vs. Avalanche Evgeni Malkin will return to the Pittsburgh Penguins lineup as they face the NHL-leading Colorado Avalanche on Monday night. The Russian forward, who served a five-game suspension for slashing Rasmus Dahlin of the Buffalo Sabres on March 5, is set to play in the matchup at Ball Arena. Pittsburgh, currently tied with the New York Islanders for second in the Metropolitan Division, went 2-1-2 during Malkin’s absence, including a 1-1-1 record in their first three games of a five-game road trip. Captain Sidney Crosby, sidelined since a lower-body injury sustained while playing for Team Canada in the 2026 Winter Olympics, has been skating with the team but is unlikely to play. Colorado’s Nathan MacKinnon, who leads the league in points with 109, trails Connor McDavid by five points and remains a plus-57 in 64 games. The Avalanche, however, have lost two of their past three contests, narrowing their lead over the Dallas Stars in the Central Division. Artemi Panarin will make his return to Madison Square Garden as the Los Angeles Kings host the New York Rangers. The 34-year-old forward, traded to the Kings on February 4, will face his former team for the first time since his trade. Panarin, who scored 607 points in seven seasons with the Rangers, has 12 points in 10 games with the Kings, who trail the Seattle Kraken by two points for the second wild card in the Western Conference. New York, meanwhile, has won four straight games and is 6-1-2 since returning from the Olympic break. Alexis Lafreniere, who has nine goals in his past 11 games, is one goal away from matching his 2023-24 total of 28. The Detroit Red Wings aim to end a three-game losing streak as they host the Calgary Flames in a Monday Night Hockey matchup.#colorado_avalanche #nathan_mackinnon #evgeni_malkin #pittsburgh_penguins #alexander_olshanski
