PHILADELPHIA — The Pittsburgh Penguins are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 7-2 defeat against the Toronto Maple Leafs as they prepare to face off against the Philadelphia Flyers at Xfinity Mobile Arena tonight at 7 p.m. with a current record of 12-7-5.
The last matchup between these two teams on October 28 was a thrilling encounter marked by overturned game-winning goals before the Flyers emerged victorious in a shootout. That game encapsulated the fierce rivalry between the Penguins and Flyers.
In a bid to regain their competitive edge, the Penguins have made some significant roster moves. The team has recalled promising rookie Rutger McGroarty from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins alongside tough enforcer Boko Imama. Coach Dan Muse is shaking things up by introducing a “Kids Line,” consisting of three rookies: McGroarty, Ben Kindel, and Ville Koivunen, a combination not seen in Pittsburgh for quite some time. Muse believes that this group brings a fresh energy to the lineup.
“Rutger has been great in Wilkes-Barre, protecting pucks and showcasing a solid defensive game. The physicality that Boko brings will also be an asset, especially considering how heated our games with Philadelphia can get,” Muse commented.
Imama, recognized as the Penguins’ 2025 Masterton Nominee, has a significant physical presence on the ice, having engaged in multiple fights last season across both the NHL and AHL. He will also be featured on the fourth line, with physical defenseman Connor Clifton making his return to the lineup.
Tristan Jarry has been confirmed as the starting goaltender for the Penguins, while Dan Vladar is expected to guard the Flyers’ net.
Fans can catch the game on SportsNet Pittsburgh and NHL Network, with radio coverage available on 105.9 The X.
Expected Penguins Lines for Tonight:
– Kevin Hayes-Sidney Crosby-Bryan Rust
– Tommy Novak-Evgeni Malkin-Anthony Mantha
– Rutger McGroarty-Ben Kindel-Ville Koivunen
– Connor Dewar-Blake Lizotte-Boko Imama
Defense:
– Parker Wotherspoon-Erik Karlsson
– Ryan Shea-Kris Letang
– Ryan Graves-Connor Clifton
Goalie: Tristan Jarry, confirmed.
Expected Flyers Lines:
– Tyson Foerster–Noah Cates–Travis Konecny
– Owen Tippett–Christian Dvorak–Trevor Zegras
– Matvei Michkov–Sean Couturier–Bobby Brink
– Nikita Grebenkin–Rodrigo Abols–Garnet Hathaway
Defense:
– Cam York–Travis Sanheim
– Emil Andrae–Jamie Drysdale
– Nick Seeler–Noah Juulsen
Goaltender: Dan Vladar, expected.
The special teams’ performance will also be crucial this evening, with the Penguins boasting a power play percentage of 30.4%, ranking second in the league, and a penalty kill of 84.8%, placing fifth. In contrast, the Flyers are at 17.5% and 85.1% for their power play and penalty kill, respectively.
Notably, the Penguins have secured points in 10 of their last 12 matchups against the Flyers, posting a record of 7-2-3. Star player Evgeni Malkin has consistently shined against Philadelphia, garnering an impressive 95 points in 78 career games against the team. Meanwhile, captain Sidney Crosby continues to dominate, with 135 points in 91 career games — the highest total against the Flyers in NHL history.
Parker Wotherspoon is enjoying a breakout season, averaging a career-best 21:07 in ice time per game, along with already logging personal bests in goals and points.
As the Penguins take to the ice, they hope to redeem themselves and continue their strong historical performance against the Flyers, looking for a much-needed win to boost team morale.