NHL: Flyers vs. Penguins Game 1 Picks and Predictions | April 18, 2026
Written by: Nick Zanghi
Last Update: Tue Apr 21, 2026, 8:16 pm ET
Read Time: 5 minutes
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We head to the Eastern Conference for an interstate rival. The Philadelphia Flyers will take on the Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round of the playoffs. They played four games this season and split the series with two wins each.
Pittsburgh went 41-25-16 this season and finished second in the Metro Division. It was a tight race in the Metro, but the Pens pulled away with a few games left to lock up the second seed. They ended the season 5-5-0 in their last ten games and were 20-13-8 at home this year.
It's great to see Sidney Crosby back in the playoffs and when you have him on your team, you have a chance. Pittsburgh could've got the first in the Metro but lost too many games in overtime. Either way, they're definitely a threat to any opponent they face.
Their offense ranked in the top ten in the league for goals scored per game, shots on goal per game and power play conversion. Pittsburgh also had the third best power play. On defense, goaltending has been their weak area, allowed the third most goals per game.
Goalie Stuart Skinner is expected to get the start. He went 23-17-9 this season with a 2.92 GAA and a .888 save percentage. Skinner does bring experience to this team after being in the last two Stanley Cup Finals.
Check out the odds for this matchup and other NHL games at the best online sportsbooks.
Philadelphia looks to ride the high right into the playoffs
Penguins forward Rickard Rakell and Flyers forward Trevor Zegras lean in to take the faceoff.
The Flyers were 43-27-12 this year and finished third in the Metro Division. They stole their playoff spot after collapses from both the New York Islanders and Columbus Blue Jackets. It came down to the wire, but they sealed the spot in their second to last game.
They somehow got over 40 wins this season and didn't even have a player break 70 points. Travis Konecny led the way with 68 points and first year Flyer Trevor Zegras had 67 points. Owen Tippett only had 51 points which is surprising in my opinion because I expected him to have a breakout season.
Philly ranked low in the league for goals scored and shots on goal per game. They had the worst power play in the league to go along with it. The Flyers are going to really need to step it up on defense to make up for the offense.
On defense, they ranked in the top ten of the league for goals allowed and shots on goal per game. Goalie Dan Vladar is expected to be in net. He was 29-14-7 this season with a 2.42 GAA and a .906 save percentage. Let's check out the odds and get into the Flyers vs. Penguins picks.
Philadelphia Flyers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins Betting Odds and Game Information
Flyers vs. Penguins Betting Odds – April 18
| Team | Puck Line | Moneyline | Over/Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia Flyers | +1.5 (-200) | +125 | Over 6.5 (+125) |
| Pittsburgh Penguins | -1.5 (+165) | -145 | Under 6.5 (-130) |
Odds courtesy of Lucky Rebel – Get a $1,250 deposit bonus & 50 Slot Spins when you sign up
Flyers vs. Penguins Game Information
- Venue: PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, PA
- Date: Saturday April 18, 2026
- Puck Drop: 8 p.m. EST
- TV: ESPN, Sportsnet, TVAS, NBCS-PH
Philadelphia Flyers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins Picks and Prediction
Penguins forward Rickard Rakell takes a shot on Flyers goalie Dan Vladar.
Flyers vs. Penguins Picks and Predictions: Game Total Under 6.5 Goals (-130) Get a $1,250 deposit bonus & 50 Slot Spins when you sign up with Lucky Rebel
I'm going with the game total under six and half goals. I think we're going to see a chess match where these two teams want to play smart hockey. Philly is the better defensive team, but if Stuart Skinner can turn on playoff mode, the Pens defense is strong.
The Flyers could get out played on both ends of the ice if they're not careful. I could see the Penguins shutting them out for some reason. The veteran knowledge on Pittsburgh's bench is another advantage they have.
Talk about turning on playoff mode, give me Sidney Crosby. We never know if this could be it for him and he's going to be the center of this offense. Give me his 3 or more shots on goal as well as 2 or more points.
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Nick Zanghi
Nick Zanghi is an avid hockey fan who loves to bet on the NHL Props. He has also found a liking for the WNBA. Born and raised on LI, NZ is a lifelong Islanders #isles fan and a new NY Liberty fan #LIGHTITUPNYL. When not watching or attending sporting events, he enjoys grilling and time with his wife and kids.
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