Flyers rookie Porter Martone shows playoff stage isn't too big

Philadelphia Flyers right wing Porter Martone (94) handles the puck against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the third period in game one of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG Paints Arena. Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Flyers rookie Porter Martone shows playoff stage isn't too big vs. Penguins

By Adam Gretz | Last updated Apr 18, 2026 11:56 PM ET

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The Philadelphia Flyers received a huge boost to their playoff push late in the season when 2025 first-round pick and top prospect, Porter Martone, left Michigan State and signed his first NHL contract. He made an immediate impact at the end of the regular season, scoring four goals, with six assists and 10 total points in his first nine games.

His addition and presence are a big reason they ended up making the playoffs.

The question would be whether or not he could carry that over into the postseason.

He answered that in a big way on Saturday night in the Flyers' 3-2 Game 1 win against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Porter Martone scores game-winning goal in first NHL Playoff game

Along with drawing a penalty early in the third period, Martone scored his first career playoff goal with under four minutes to play in regulation to give the Flyers a 3-1 lead.

It was not only an incredible individual effort and perfect shot to beat Penguins goalie Stuart Skinner, but it also ended up going in the books as the game-winning goal.

WHAT A SHOT

PORTER MARTONE RIPS ONE HOME IN HIS FIRST EVER GAME IN THE #STANLEYCUP PLAYOFFS!

: @espn
: @Sportsnet & @TVASports pic.twitter.com/OyGrs7AgrV
— NHL (@NHL) April 19, 2026

The Flyers have been a really good defensive team for most of the past few years, but have consistently fallen short because they do not have enough game-breakers on offense.

That might be starting to change.

The addition of Trevor Zegras in an offseason trade with the Anaheim Ducks brought in a talented forward who needed a change of scenery.

Second-year forward Matvei Michkov is a potential star who has shown flashes of it over his first two years in the league.

Martone has a chance to perhaps be the most impactful player of them all.

It is a good sign for the team's long-term outlook. It is also a good sign for their chances this season as well.

Adam Gretz

Adam Gretz is a freelance writer based in Pittsburgh. He covers the NHL, NFL, MLB and NBA. Baseball is his favorite sport -- he is nearly halfway through his goal of seeing a game in every MLB ballpark. Catch him on X @AGretz

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