3 hours ago - Sports

Pens-Flyers schedule avoids NFL draft

Ryan Deto

PITTSBURGH, PA - MARCH 05: Rickard Rakell #67 of the Pittsburgh Penguins in action during the game against the Philadelphia Flyers at PPG PAINTS Arena on March 5, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty Images) — Face-off against the Flyers this weekend. Photo: Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty Images

The Battle of Pennsylvania starts Saturday.

Why it matters: The Pens and Flyers are reigniting their bitter rivalry in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, and Pittsburghers won't have to contend with NFL draft traffic to enjoy.

Driving the news: The NHL announced the Stanley Cup playoff schedule early Friday morning.

Game 1: Flyers at Pens, Saturday at 8pm.
Game 2: Flyers at Pens, Monday, April 20 at 7pm.
Game 3: Pens at Flyers, Wednesday, April 22 at 7pm.
Game 4: Pens at Flyers, Saturday, April 25 at 8pm.
Game 5, if necessary: Flyers at Pens, April 27, time TBD.
Game 6, if necessary: Pens at Flyers, April 29, time TBD.
Game 7, if necessary: Flyers at Pens, May 2, time TBD.

Between the lines: Penguins have home-ice advantage at PPG Paints Arena in the best-of-seven series.

The schedule lines up to avoid any Pens home games during the NFL draft on April 23-25.

How to watch: ESPN will televise games 1 and 2, TBS/TruTV will televise games 3 and 4. Stream on HBO Max and ESPN+.

What's at stake: In addition to intrastate bragging rights, Gov. Josh Shapiro — a longtime Flyers fan — pledged to wear a tank top for a day of work if the Pens win.

Plum native Pat McAfee promised to wear a suit to work if the Flyers win.

Purchase Pens tickets here and Flyers tickets here.

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Pens-Flyers schedule avoids NFL draft

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