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Feb 27, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Samuel Ersson (33) makes a save against Pittsburgh Penguins left wing Anthony Beauvillier (72) as Flyers defenseman Travis Sanheim (6) and defenseman Nick Seeler (24) defend during the third period at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Five Storylines to Follow in Flyers vs. Penguins Matchup

Originally posted on Breakaway on SI | By Adam Waxman | Last updated Oct 28, 2025 5:14 PM ET

Tonight’s contest between the Philadelphia Flyers and the Pittsburgh Penguins is not just a battle for Metropolitan Division bragging rights; it's a compelling clash of contrasting momentum, individual milestones, and special teams superiority. Here are five storylines to get you ready for the 6 p.m. puck drop.

1. Battle of Streaks: Home Fortress vs. Road Dominance

The game is framed by two teams on contrasting, yet impressive, streaks. The Flyers have established Xfinity Mobile Arena as a formidable home fortress, riding a three-game home winning streak and posting a solid 4-1-0 record in Philadelphia. They face a red-hot Penguins squad that is equally dominant on the road, entering the game with an excellent 4-1-0 road record and a three-game road winning streak of their own.

2. The Crosby and Malkin History Watch

Pittsburgh's success continues to hinge on its future Hall-of-Fame duo. Sidney Crosby recently cemented his legacy by becoming the ninth player in NHL history to reach 1,700 career points. Not to be outdone, Evgeni Malkin leads the Penguins with 16 points and enters the game riding an impressive seven-game point streak.

3. Flyers' Dialed-In Defensive Identity

In a major departure from recent years, Philadelphia's early success is built on a tight defensive structure. Through their first eight games, the Flyers have allowed only 21 goals, the lowest total goals-against in the entire NHL. Key to this stinginess is new goaltender Dan Vladar, who has a 3-2-0 record and boasts an elite 1.81 goals-against average and a .932 save percentage. Despite this, Sam Ersson is expected to get the nod against Pittsburgh.

4. Milestone Fever and Zegras' Hot Start

Beyond the team success, several Flyers players are pushing towards personal milestones. Travis Konecny is just one goal shy of 200 NHL goals, while Owen Tippett is two goals away from 100 NHL goals. Meanwhile, new acquisition Trevor Zegras is tied for the team lead with eight points and is looking to set a new personal best, currently tied with a five-game home point streak.

5. Brace for Impact: The Physicality and Special Teams Showdown

Tonight’s rivalry match is expected to be a rugged, physical affair. The Flyers are coming off a high-penalty game, racking up 38 total penalty minutes in their last outing (a 4-3 shootout win over the Islanders). The anticipated intensity is further fueled by the return of forward Nic Deslauriers to the lineup. This physical play will directly impact the special teams battle: the Penguins' elite 33.3% power play (2nd in NHL) must overcome the Flyers' disciplined 87.1% penalty kill (8th in NHL).

Extra Game Notes

For Pittsburgh, rookie defenseman Harrison Brunicke will be a healthy scratch for the third time in four contests. The South Africa native struggled in the win over St. Louis. On the year, Brunicke sits with a lone goal in 2025-26.

For the Flyers, defenseman Emil Andrae was recalled from Lehigh Valley. Forward Jett Luchanko was recently returned to his junior team, the Guelph Storm.

This article first appeared on Breakaway on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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