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3w ago

Flyers Edge Penguins 3-2 in Game 1 to Take Series Lead in Pittsburgh

Philadelphia showed its defense-first makeover can mute Pittsburgh's high-powered attack.

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Apr 18, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Minnesota Wild left wing Matt Boldy (12) stick handles against the Dallas Stars in the first period in game one of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
Apr 18, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Flyers right wing Porter Martone (94) celebrates his goal with the Flyers bench against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the third period in game one of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Apr 18, 2026; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen (31) stops the tip attempt by Ottawa Senators left wing Brady Tkachuk (7) during the third period in game one of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Philadelphia took Game 1 in Pittsburgh 3-2 on Saturday, getting goals from Jamie Drysdale, Travis Sanheim and 19-year-old Porter Martone, while Evgeni Malkin and Bryan Rust scored for the Penguins.
  • Dan Vladar made 14 saves for his first playoff win of his six-year career, and Penguins coach Dan Muse started Stuart Skinner in goal.
  • The rivalry opener turned chippy with heavy hits and post-whistle scrums, and both sides squandered early power-play chances.
  • Game 2 is Monday at 7 p.m. in Pittsburgh, where the Penguins seek answers after being outshot and outchanced for long stretches.
  • This is the eighth playoff meeting between the Pennsylvania rivals, and the Flyers entered the series with a 4–3 edge in past matchups.