Game Preview: Game 3 at Philadelphia Flyers
NHL.com • • sports
Key Points:
- Stuart Skinner is confirmed to start in goal for the Penguins, with other lineup changes to be finalized closer to game time after some forward trio adjustments at morning skate.
- Rickard Rakell has reunited with Sidney Crosby and Bryan Rust on the second line, while Anthony Mantha skates with Tommy Novak and Evgeni Malkin; Justin Brazeau returns to the lineup replacing Elmer Soderblom.
- Brazeau, who was a healthy scratch in previous games, expressed eagerness to contribute alongside skilled linemates Egor Chinakhov and Ben Kindel, emphasizing offensive zone chemistry.
- The Penguins have a strong playoff history with Crosby and Malkin, having advanced past the first round eight times in 16 runs, and both players are close to reaching 100 postseason wins.
- Two defensemen, Ilya Solovyov and Jack St. Ivany, are poised to make their NHL playoff debuts, and the Penguins' 2025-26 road record was solid, tied for eighth in the NHL with 50 points.
