The Pittsburgh Penguins are back in the Stanley Cup Playoffs! After a three-year postseason drought, the Pens clinched their spot on April 9th against the New Jersey Devils, setting the stage for one of hockey's most intense rivalries. Their first-round opponent? None other than the cross-state rival Philadelphia Flyers.

This series promises fireworks, as it marks the eighth playoff meeting between these bitter foes. The Penguins won the most recent clash in 2018, but the Flyers have had their moments, including a 2012 series victory. For Pittsburgh, the ultimate goal is clear: to bring the Stanley Cup back to the Steel City for the first time since 2017.

While the matchup is locked in, fans are eagerly awaiting the official schedule. The NHL is expected to release the full playoff slate after the regular season concludes on April 16th. We do know the series will follow a 2-2-1-1-1 format, with the Penguins holding home-ice advantage. That means Games 1, 2, 5, and 7 (if necessary) will be hosted at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh.

When it comes to watching the action, 2026 playoff games will be broadcast on ESPN, TNT, ABC, and regional networks like SportsNet Pittsburgh. For streaming, you can catch the games on ESPN+, Hulu, Max, or through live TV services such as Fubo TV and DirecTV Stream.

Looking to experience the electric atmosphere in person? Official playoff tickets through the Penguins' website are not yet on sale, but you can find seats on trusted third-party platforms like SeatGeek and StubHub. Gear up, hockey fans—this Pennsylvania battle is about to begin.