Flyers Edge Penguins in Shootout
“When part of your game’s not going well consistently, then there’s conversations about it,” said Dan Muse following the Philadelphia Flyers’ narrow victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins on March 7, 2026, at PPG Paints Arena.
The Flyers triumphed in a shootout after the game saw the Penguins tie the score three times. This victory is particularly significant as it highlights the ongoing struggles of the Penguins, who have now lost three straight games, bringing their record to 31-17-14.
Sidney Crosby, a pivotal player for the Penguins, missed his sixth consecutive game due to a lower-body injury, while Evgeni Malkin served a five-game suspension for a slash to the face of Rasmus Dahlin. Their absence has been felt deeply, as the Penguins have lost 14 of their last 18 games that have reached overtime.
Despite having a 4-on-3 power play opportunity in overtime, the Penguins were unable to capitalize, further emphasizing their current challenges. Bryan Rust commented, “We’ve all just got to move a little bit more, try and simplify,” reflecting the team’s need for improvement.
On the other hand, the Flyers made a strategic move by trading Bobby Brink to Minnesota and calling up Alex Bump for his NHL debut. This change comes as the Flyers, currently ranked twelfth in the Eastern Conference with a record of 28-22-11, look to build momentum.
Travis Konecny has been a standout for the Flyers this season, recording 57 points with 23 goals and 34 assists. Meanwhile, Stuart Skinner has maintained a goals-against average of 2.7 and an .891 save percentage, contributing to the Flyers’ defensive efforts.
The Penguins currently sit sixth in the Eastern Conference, and with Crosby’s impressive 59 points in 56 games this season, his return will be crucial for their playoff aspirations.
As both teams prepare for their next matchups, the Penguins will need to address their recent struggles, while the Flyers aim to build on their latest success. The upcoming games will be critical for both franchises as they navigate the final stretch of the season.
