NHL Playoffs: Penguins vs. Flyers Picks – Game One Betting Preview, Team News, and Predictions (Apr 18) 

• When: Saturday, April 18, 2026. 8:00 PM ET
• Where: PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh
• How to Watch: ESPN+

Game Result	Odds
Pittsburgh Penguins	-144
Philadelphia Flyers	+127

Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Philadelphia Flyers Preview

Interstate rivals collide in the NHL Playoffs for the eighth time this season, with the Flyers bidding to improve on their positive overall record in the postseason against the Penguins after winning four of the previous six. A first playoff series since a six-game win for the Penguins in 2018 gets underway on April 18.   

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Pittsburgh Penguins Stats & Team News

• Overall Record: 41-24-16
• Home Record: 20-13-8
• Road Record: 21-11-8
• Top Goal Scorer: Anthony Mantha (31)

There is a welcome return to the NHL Playoffs for the Pittsburgh Penguins this year, with the franchise having failed to make the postseason since 2021-22. Dan Muse will be confident that his team can upset the odds after enjoying a reliable regular season campaign, finishing seventh overall in the Eastern Conference and second in the Metropolitan Division standings.

However, no side in the Eastern playoffs recorded fewer wins than the Penguins in the regular season, and their confidence levels would be a slight concern after three straight defeats. Defensively, they have been poor across that period, conceding ten goals.

Injury News:

No Injuries

Philadelphia Flyers Stats & Team News

• Overall Record: 43-27-12
• Home Record: 20-13-8
• Road Record: 23-14-4
• Top Goal Scorer: Owen Tippett (28)

While it has been a long wait for a postseason showing for the Penguins, it has been even longer for the Flyers. Philadelphia will be playing in the postseason for the first time since 2019-20, with Rick Tocchet enjoying excellent success in his first season with the franchise.

Unlike the Penguins, the Flyers bring solid recent form into this Game One, winning each of their last three, and seven of their previous ten. However, their attacking output would be a concern, with no side in the Eastern Conference Playoffs having scored fewer goals.

Injury News:

Owen Tippett (Doubtful), Christian Dvorak (Doubtful), Rodrigo Abois (Injured Reserve)

Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Philadelphia Flyers Picks

The Flyers could be the value play based on the odds available this weekend. Philadelphia bring the better recent form to the table, while they have been efficient on their travels across their last ten outings.

Free Pick:

• Philadelphia Flyers (+127)