The Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins have a storied rivalry filled with intensity, skill, and bad blood. In the 2018 Stanley Cup playoffs Eastern Conference first round, the Penguins defeated the Flyers 4-2, advancing while ending Philadelphia’s postseason hopes.[1][2] That series marked the Flyers’ last home playoff game until their 2026 matchup, a span of over 2,900 days as noted in recent coverage of their 5-2 Game 3 victory that put them up 3-0.[3] The physical play and crowd energy in 2018 echoed the “old-time hockey” vibes fans witnessed recently, with scrums and hits reminiscent of the Broad Street Bullies era.
Pittsburgh entered as the higher seed with home-ice advantage, thanks to their strong regular-season finish. The Penguins, fresh off back-to-back Cups, boasted stars like Sidney Crosby and Jake Guentzel. Philadelphia, led by Claude Giroux and Sean Couturier, relied on gritty defense and goaltending from Brian Elliott and Michal Neuvirth.
The series showcased the rivalry’s trademark emotion. Fans chanted obscenities at Crosby, much like the orange-clad crowds in 2026 who mocked Penguins goalie Stuart Skinner. These matchups always bring out the passion in Philly.
Pittsburgh’s dominant game 1 rout
Game 1 on April 11, 2018, set the tone with Pittsburgh’s 7-0 shutout victory over the Flyers at PPG Paints Arena. Sidney Crosby notched a natural hat trick, his three consecutive goals overwhelming Philadelphia’s defense.[4] Matt Murray earned the shutout, stopping all 29 shots in a clinical performance.
The Penguins’ forecheck suffocated Philly early. Flyers struggled with turnovers, leading to odd-man rushes. Elliott faced 34 shots but couldn’t stem the tide after Crosby’s first goal midway through the opening period.
Philadelphia’s power play went 0-for-3, while Pittsburgh capitalized on special teams. The blowout exposed Flyers’ inexperience against elite playoff hockey. Couturier won key faceoffs but lacked offensive support.
Post-game, Flyers coach Dave Hakstol emphasized resilience, saying the team needed to respond. Pittsburgh’s depth shone, with contributions from Patric Hornqvist and Phil Kessel. This win gave the Penguins a 1-0 lead and momentum.
The lopsided score fueled rivalry talk. Philly fans pointed to home games ahead, but Pittsburgh’s execution was flawless. Detailed stats from the NHL gamecenter highlight Crosby’s dominance.
Flyers fight back to even the series
Game 2 on April 14 saw Philadelphia roar back with a 4-3 overtime win in Pittsburgh, tying the series 1-1. Travis Konecny scored the game-winner 3:50 into OT, showcasing the young forward’s clutch ability.
The Flyers improved their start, outshooting Pittsburgh 14-8 in the first. Giroux assisted on two goals, steadying the ship after game 1. Neuvirth made 28 saves, including key stops during a late Penguins push.
Physicality ramped up with hits and scrums, foreshadowing later chaos. Both teams went 1-for-4 on power plays, but Philly’s penalty kill held firm. This victory shifted confidence westward.
Hakstol praised the response: “We played our game.” Penguins coach Mike Sullivan noted the rivalry’s intensity. Guentzel scored twice for PIT, but Flyers’ third-period rally forced OT.
For full box scores and highlights, check the Hockey-Reference series page. This game embodied the back-and-forth nature of the matchup.
Home cooking turns sour in Philly
Returning home for game 3 on April 16, the Flyers lost 5-1 to the Penguins. Pittsburgh exploded for four second-period goals, including quick strikes from Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.
Philadelphia’s crowd was electric, but turnovers killed momentum. Elliott allowed five goals on 31 shots before Neuvirth relieved him. Konecny scored Philly’s lone tally.
The Penguins’ speed exploited gaps. Hornqvist’s shorthanded goal stung. Hits piled up—Flyers recorded 40, Penguins 35—hinting at the physical edge seen in 2026’s massive scrum with 11 penalties.
Sullivan called it a complete effort. Hakstol lamented execution. Series now 2-1 PIT.
Game 4 on April 18 was another Penguins shutout, 5-0, with Murray stellar again.[5] Philly managed just 21 shots. Pittsburgh led 3-1.
Fan frustration boiled over with Crosby boos. This pair of home losses mirrored recent themes of resilience, as Couturier noted in 2026: “We’re happy for the city, for the fans.”
Late Flyers surge and Penguins closeout
Game 5 on April 20 at Wells Fargo Center gave Philadelphia a 4-2 win, forcing game 6. Giroux scored twice, Neuvirth stopped 23 shots. This marked the Flyers’ last home playoff game for eight years.[6]
Crowd energy peaked, with 44 hits led by tough guys like Wayne Simmonds. Power play clicked 2-for-4. Penguins fought back but faltered late.
Hakstol: “Big character win.” Sullivan urged focus. Series 3-2 PIT.
Game 6 on April 22 in Pittsburgh ended it: Penguins 8-5. Guentzel’s four goals powered the comeback.[7] Flyers led 5-3 but collapsed.
Crosby added three points. Murray won despite five goals. Philly’s rally fell short.
Stars, hits, and lasting rivalry impact
Standout performers defined the series:
- Sidney Crosby (PIT): 4G-4A, hat trick in game 1.
- Jake Guentzel (PIT): 7G, including four in game 6.
- Claude Giroux (PHI): 2G-3A, leadership.
- Travis Konecny (PHI): OT winner game 2, game 5 goal.
- Matt Murray (PIT): 2 shutouts, .941 SV%.
Physical play totaled over 200 hits. Scrums echoed 2026’s penalty box celebration, as Garnet Hathaway recalled: “The crowd went bananas.”
The series reinforced the rivalry’s edge. Penguins advanced to face Caps, losing in second round.
From NHL’s official series summary, PIT outscored PHI 30-17.[2]
Echoes in today’s playoffs
As the Flyers dominate the 2026 series 3-0 with 44 hits—Owen Tippett’s 11 leading—the 2018 clash feels fresh. Ristolainen called recent scrums a “turning point,” much like Philly’s game 2 spark.
Coach Tocchet noted the rocking building, absent since 2018. Couturier’s faceoff wins (75%) and fourth-line grit parallel his 2018 role.
Fans’ passion endures. Hathaway: “You feel the excitement.” With playoffs back, Philly eyes a sweep, flipping the 2018 script.
This rivalry promises more chapters. The Flyers’ savvy performance channels that old fire—what a time for hockey in Philadelphia.
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Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.