- This page contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Philadelphia (43-27-12) at Pittsburgh (41-25-16)
- When: Apr 18 2026, 8:00 PM
- Where: PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- TV: ESPN
Philadelphia vs Pittsburgh NHL Preview & Pick
Moneyline: Pittsburgh -145
Spread: Pittsburgh -1.5 (+168)
Total: .0
Pittsburgh Penguins: Veteran Core Still Dangerous
Ah yes, Pittsburgh. The retirement home that still wins hockey games. Sidney Crosby at 38 and Evgeni Malkin at 39 are still putting up numbers like it’s 2015, which is both impressive and mildly concerning for everyone else. Crosby dropped 74 points in 68 games, Malkin added 61 in 56, and suddenly the Penguins are back acting like they never left.
They come in as -145 favorites with home ice, playoff experience, and that “we’ve done this before” energy. The only mystery is who’s actually standing in net. Stuart Skinner has the résumé, Arturs Silovs has the stats, and the coaching staff is probably flipping a coin backstage.
Either way, when you’ve got veterans who’ve seen everything, panic is not part of the game plan.
Philadelphia Flyers: Young Team Heating Up
Now let’s talk about the Flyers. Young, fast, and probably still figuring out where the visiting locker room is in some arenas. But give them credit, they didn’t sneak into the playoffs, they bulldozed their way in with an 18-7-1 run down the stretch.
Travis Konecny, Sean Couturier, and Travis Sanheim bring some experience, but the real storyline is the kids. Porter Martone showed up late and immediately started producing, putting up 10 points in eight games like he’s been here for years.
In net, Dan Vladar gets the call, and honestly, he’s been solid. A .921 save percentage during that late run is no joke. The issue is this is his first playoff start, and now he gets to deal with Crosby and Malkin. Welcome to the NHL postseason, kid.
LVSB NHL Playoffs Prediction
This series screams chaos. Youth vs experience, speed vs patience, and probably a few questionable penalties thrown in for fun.
Pittsburgh has the edge on paper, mostly because they’ve lived in these moments for two decades. But Philadelphia is playing loose, confident, and with nothing to lose, which is exactly the kind of team that ruins bets.
Still, that underdog energy can flip Game 1. Expect Philadelphia to push the pace and capitalize on mistakes.
Total at 6.0 feels right for a tight playoff opener with nerves early and chances later.
Score Prediction: Flyers 4, Penguins 3
Pick: Philadelphia ML (+125)
Total: Over 6.0 (-122)
- NHL Playoffs Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
