The Pittsburgh Penguins will face the Philadelphia Flyers in Game 3 of the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena, with puck drop scheduled for 7 p.m. on April 22. The game will be broadcast on SportsNet Pittsburgh and TNT, while radio coverage is available on 105.9 The X and the Penguins app.
This matchup is significant as both teams seek to advance further in the playoffs, with the Penguins holding a regular-season record of 41-25-16 and the Flyers at 43-27-12. In their four meetings during the regular season, Pittsburgh went undefeated in regulation against Philadelphia, recording two wins and two shootout losses.
Dan Muse confirmed that Stuart Skinner will start as goaltender for Pittsburgh. Rickard Rakell rejoined Sidney Crosby and Bryan Rust on a forward line, prompting Rust to say: “Raks is such a good player. He can score goals, he can find guys, he can play in tight spaces for that little give and go game. And I just think the way he thinks the game is so elite that obviously, he just helps any line that he’s on.” Justin Brazeau returns to action after being scratched from Games 1 and 2: “(Being scratched), obviously it’s not what you’re looking for,” Brazeau said. “But it’s a good spot to be when we have that many guys are able to kind of go in the lineup and make an impact. So, just waited my time… Just excited to play my game. I think this time of year is the best time of year to play hockey… I’ve missed the last couple games, but excited to get in.” On playing with new linemates Ben Kindel and Egor Chinakhov, Brazeau added: “I think all three of us kind of bring a different element… Two guys with a lot of skill, able to shoot the puck. So I’m just gonna try and make it as easy as I can for them.”
Sidney Crosby enters these playoffs nearing several milestones; he needs two more victories to become only the fourth active player with at least 100 postseason wins among current players—a list including Corey Perry (135), Ryan McDonagh (105), Brad Marchand (100), Victor Hedman (99) and Evgeni Malkin (96). The trio of Crosby, Malkin, and Kris Letang mark their twentieth season together—the most by any trio in NHL history—and have led Pittsburgh through sixteen straight playoff runs since joining forces.
The Penguins are recognized for Hall of Fame players like Crosby as well as coaches and executives who have shaped their legacy according to their official website. They have achieved numerous playoff appearances alongside division titles over several decades according to their official website. The team plays its home games at PPG Paints Arena—a downtown multipurpose venue—and forms an important part of Pittsburgh’s sports culture through strong fan traditions according to their official website.
Ownership rests with Fenway Sports Group which oversees business operations according to their official website.
As both teams prepare for another chapter in this longstanding rivalry—highlighted by historic moments such as Keith Primeau’s five-overtime goal—the series continues Wednesday night with key individual milestones within reach.
