By Malia Radcliff ‘29
On Thursday, April 22, 2026, the Philadelphia Flyers hosted the Pittsburgh Penguins for game three of the playoffs. This was the first Philadelphia home game that fans could attend since 2016. The Flyers made the playoffs in the 2019-2020 season, but due to Covid, no fans were allowed to go.
At the Xfinity Mobile Arena on April 22, the Philadelphia Flyers took game three in a huge victory of 5-2 or the Pittsburgh Penguins. If the Flyers get a win on Saturday, April 25, then Pittsburgh is out and Philly moves on to round 2.
Porter Matone gets off the ice as warmups die down. The zamboni has to cut the ice, so players must get off the ice before the opening face off. Porter Martone is new to the Flyers, his first NHL game being on March 31, 2026. He has been in the NHL for less than a full month and already has 12 points in only 11 games. He currently has 1 point in each of his playoff games- a goal in the first and second, and an assist in the third game.
Dan Vladar, arguably the reason why the Flyers made the playoffs, stands on the ice before the game. He has to remove his helmet as Lauren Hart begins to sing “God Bless America.” She began singing this instead of the national anthem during the very important games at the end of the regular season. It has been a “good luck charm” tradition that started in 1969. She started singing it this season when the Flyers hosted the Boston Bruins on April 5, 2026, and they haven’t lost a home game since.
The Philadelphia Flyers get ready to face off against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Both teams get into their positions for the opening face off as game 3 of the playoffs begins.