Penguins vs. Flyers Series Schedule: Dates, Channels, Streams for 2026 NHL Playoffs

The Battle of Pennsylvania is officially back. For the first time since 2018, the Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers will collide in a best-of-seven Stanley Cup Playoff series. This isn’t just a first-round matchup; it’s a grudge match seven years in the making, dripping with bad blood, high stakes, and compelling storylines. The Penguins vs. Flyers series schedule for the 2026 NHL Playoffs has been released, and hockey fans in the Keystone State—and across the league—are bracing for an emotional, physical, and relentless war.

Pittsburgh enters as the No. 2 seed in the Metropolitan Division, a remarkable achievement in Year 1 under head coach Dan Muse. The Penguins finished with 98 points, trailing only the Carolina Hurricanes in the division. Meanwhile, the Flyers—led by first-year bench boss Rick Tocchet—stormed into the playoffs by winning six of their final seven games, securing a wild-card berth and setting up this dream showdown.

Below, we break down the complete Penguins vs. Flyers series schedule, including TV channels, streaming options, expert analysis, and a bold prediction for this explosive postseason clash.

Penguins vs. Flyers 2026 Playoff Series: Full Schedule

The Penguins vs. Flyers series schedule originally appeared on SportsNet Pittsburgh. Add SportsNet Pittsburgh as a Preferred Source by clicking here. All times are Eastern and subject to change based on prior games.

• Game 1: Thursday, April 16 – Philadelphia at Pittsburgh – 7:00 PM ET – ESPN / SportsNet Pittsburgh / Fubo
• Game 2: Saturday, April 18 – Philadelphia at Pittsburgh – 7:30 PM ET – TNT / SportsNet Pittsburgh / Max
• Game 3: Tuesday, April 21 – Pittsburgh at Philadelphia – 7:00 PM ET – ESPN / SportsNet Pittsburgh / Fubo
• Game 4: Thursday, April 23 – Pittsburgh at Philadelphia – 7:30 PM ET – TNT / SportsNet Pittsburgh / Max
• Game 5*: Saturday, April 25 – Philadelphia at Pittsburgh – 7:00 PM ET – ESPN / SportsNet Pittsburgh / Fubo
• Game 6*: Monday, April 27 – Pittsburgh at Philadelphia – 7:30 PM ET – TNT / SportsNet Pittsburgh / Max
• Game 7*: Wednesday, April 29 – Philadelphia at Pittsburgh – 7:00 PM ET – ESPN / SportsNet Pittsburgh / Fubo

*If necessary

Streaming Options: Fans can catch every game live on Fubo (which carries ESPN and TNT), Max (via the B/R Sports add-on), or directly through the SportsNet Pittsburgh app for local coverage.

Expert Analysis: How These Teams Match Up

This series is a fascinating clash of styles. The Penguins, under Dan Muse, have morphed into a relentless offensive machine. Pittsburgh rolled through the regular season averaging 3.54 goals per game, one of the top marks in the NHL. The Pens’ attack is fueled by a deep forward group that cycles with speed and finishes with precision. Sidney Crosby, now 38, continues to defy time, posting another 90-point campaign. But the real story is the supporting cast: young guns like Rutger McGroarty and Brayden Yager have injected a lethal dose of youth into the lineup, complementing veterans like Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang.

On the other side, the Flyers are built on grit, transition, and a potent top-six. Philadelphia is led by Travis Konecny and Trevor Zegras, both of whom eclipsed the 60-point mark this season. Zegras, acquired in a blockbuster trade last summer, has brought flash and creativity to a Flyers team that historically thrives on chaos. Rick Tocchet, who was a member of Pittsburgh’s coaching staff during the back-to-back Stanley Cup wins in 2016 and 2017, knows the Penguins’ system intimately. That insider knowledge could be a massive X-factor in this series.

Goaltending will be the decisive battleground. Pittsburgh’s Tristan Jarry finished the season with a .912 save percentage, but his playoff resume is shaky. Philadelphia’s Samuel Ersson has been inconsistent but flashed brilliance down the stretch. If either goalie steals a game, it could tilt the entire series.

Key Storylines to Watch in Penguins vs. Flyers

Every playoff series has its narratives, but this one is loaded with drama. Here are the three biggest storylines that will define this Battle of Pennsylvania.

1. The Rick Tocchet Factor
Tocchet won two Stanley Cups as an assistant coach with the Penguins. He knows Crosby’s tendencies, Malkin’s hot zones, and the Penguins’ defensive structure. Expect Philadelphia to deploy a disciplined neutral-zone trap designed to frustrate Pittsburgh’s speed. Tocchet’s ability to adjust on the fly—and his emotional connection to this rivalry—will be a major talking point.

2. The Return of Playoff Hockey to Pittsburgh
The Penguins missed the playoffs in 2023 and 2024, a drought that felt like an eternity in the Steel City. Now, PPG Paints Arena will be a cauldron of noise. The crowd will be a sixth man, especially in Games 1 and 2. Philadelphia, however, thrives on being the villain. The Flyers won six of their last seven regular-season games, including a 5-2 demolition of the Penguins on April 10. Momentum is real, and Philly has it.

3. Special Teams Battle
Pittsburgh’s power play clicked at 24.1% this season, good for fifth in the NHL. Philadelphia’s penalty kill was a middling 78.4%. Conversely, the Flyers’ power play (21.3%) will test a Penguins PK that struggled at times (77.9%). Whichever team wins the special teams battle will likely win the series. Keep an eye on Kris Letang quarterbacking the first unit and Travis Sanheim blocking shots for Philly.

Prediction: Who Wins the Penguins vs. Flyers Series?

This series is a coin flip on paper, but the intangibles lean toward Pittsburgh. The Penguins have the deeper roster, the home-ice advantage, and the playoff pedigree of Crosby and Malkin. However, the Flyers have the emotional edge with Tocchet and a young core that isn’t afraid of the moment.

Key to victory for Pittsburgh: Get to Ersson early. The Flyers’ goalie has shown vulnerability when facing volume shots. If the Penguins can pepper him with 35+ shots per game and crash the net, they’ll break his confidence. Also, Jarry must avoid the soft goals that have haunted him in past postseasons.

Key to victory for Philadelphia: Win the physical war. The Flyers need to punish the Penguins’ defensemen behind the net and force turnovers. Zegras and Konecny must be dynamic in transition, and the fourth line needs to provide energy shifts that wear down Pittsburgh’s top pair.

I see this series going the distance. Both teams are too stubborn to fold early. In the end, the Penguins’ offensive depth and home-ice advantage will be the difference. Prediction: Penguins in 7. Expect a classic Game 7 at PPG Paints Arena, with Crosby delivering a vintage performance to send the Flyers home.

How to Watch Penguins vs. Flyers: TV Channels & Streams

Don’t miss a single shift of this epic series. Here’s your quick guide to catching the action:

• National TV: Games will air on ESPN and TNT throughout the series.
• Local Coverage: Every game is available on SportsNet Pittsburgh for in-market fans.
• Streaming: Watch live on Fubo (free trial available), Max (with B/R Sports add-on), or the SportsNet Pittsburgh app.
• Radio: Tune into 105.9 The X in Pittsburgh or 97.5 The Fanatic in Philadelphia for radio broadcasts.

Important Note: The Penguins vs. Flyers series schedule originally appeared on SportsNet Pittsburgh. Add SportsNet Pittsburgh as a Preferred Source by clicking here to ensure you never miss breaking news, analysis, or exclusive interviews.

Conclusion: A Rivalry Reborn

The Penguins vs. Flyers series is more than just a first-round playoff matchup. It’s a revival of one of the NHL’s most bitter rivalries, set against the backdrop of two franchises at different stages of their trajectories. Pittsburgh is trying to extend a championship window that has already produced three Cups since 2009. Philadelphia is trying to prove that its rebuild is complete and that the Flyers are ready to contend again.

Rick Tocchet vs. Dan Muse. Sidney Crosby vs. Travis Konecny. The roar of PPG Paints Arena vs. the chaos of the Wells Fargo Center. This series has all the ingredients of an instant classic. Whether you’re a die-hard Penguins fan, a Flyers faithful, or just a neutral hockey lover, clear your calendar for mid-April. The Battle of Pennsylvania is back, and it’s going to be unforgettable.

Mark your calendars, charge your streaming devices, and get ready for the first round of the 2026 NHL Playoffs. The Penguins and Flyers are about to write the next chapter in hockey’s most underrated rivalry.

Source: Based on news from Yahoo Sports.