With a surprise Game 1 victory, the Flyers had stolen home-ice advantage from the Penguins. Weathering the early storm behind another solid effort from Dan Vladar, Philadelphia opened up a 2-0 lead, including one of the best efforts of the season from Owen Tippett short-handed. It would end there, and Porter Martone has his second game-winning goal in his two playoff games. For just the third time in franchise history, the Flyers won the first two games on the road in a playoff series.
The Basics
First period: No scoring
Second period: 13:39 — Porter Martone (Travis Konecny, Christian Dvorak), 17:43 — Garnet Hathaway (Owen Tippett) (SHG)
Third period: 17:95 — Luke Glendening (Sean Couturier) (ENG)
SOG: 23 (PHI) – 27 (PIT)
Takeaways
Referees made their statements early
In a series against such a potent power play, the Flyers really need to play as much even-strength hockey as they can manage. Their numbers are much better, and it’s not as if they have a decent power play of their own. The first period saw four minor penalties. Philadelphia was very lucky to escape without a deficit, committing three of their own (some worse than others), a credit to good penalty killing and a little help from Dan Vladar in net. The Penguins had more power plays tonight in 16 minutes than they had in all of Game 1 a few nights prior, however, their struggles on the man-advantage loomed large again. While they’ve been cold, it’s not a good gameplan to give Sidney Crosby and Evgenii Malkin extra time or space.
Penguins made the adjustment
After failing to create much of anything in Game 1, Pittsburgh controlled much of the possession and offensive zone time in this one. They still struggled to do much in the way of high-danger, but the Flyers continued to bend, and bend some more, until Porter Martone allowed them a little breathing room.
Penguins went HEAVY on dump-and-chase at 5-on-5 in the first period, per my tracking:
— Charlie O'Connor (@charlieo_conn) April 21, 2026
Pittsburgh controlled entries: 3
Pittsburgh dump-ins: 16
The Penguins absolutely wanted to get more involved on the forecheck, and it was mission accomplished early and often. Once the Flyers were able to break the deadlock, the pressure subsided, but it was a sweaty first 30 minutes or so while the Penguins cycled the Flyers to death. The third period was much of the same– the Flyers were under siege for most of the final 20. With Noah Juulsen making his first appearance filling in for an injured Emil Andrae, it was a tough spot to be introduced. Credit to the defensive structure for staying sound is well deserved.
Playoff Porter keeps rolling
In a truly unbelievable turn of events, the Flyers added a point-per-game player straight off the NCAA ice. He’s the sixth youngest player in NHL history to score in his first two playoff games, and they’ve needed every bit of help to even get to this point. He won’t be 20 years old until the start of next season.
Marty Supreme. #IgniteTheOrange pic.twitter.com/DgDSpcYjyb
— x – Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) April 21, 2026
He scores goals in such a variety of ways; this time, he’s in the right place at the right time for a calm and collected backhand finish. Nobody’s numbers are going to look great given the possession disparity, but per MoneyPuck, Martone was over 60 percent Expected Goal Share through the first two periods– one of the only Flyers to break even. He’s not just finishing chances, he’s driving play at a high level.
Dan Vladar appreciation
The Flyers didn’t have the puck very often in the first 40 minutes, but they did a nice job at keeping the Penguins out of dangerous areas. Vladar didn’t have to make any outstanding saves early. The third period was a different story; the Penguins were facing a two goal deficit and barrelling towards a two game deficit despite the home-ice. They made their big push, and Vladar made a number of great saves, arguably stealing Game 2 for Philadelphia even though it was a three goal victory. Despite just two saves in the first period, Vladar ended with 27 on his way to his first shutout as a Philadelphia Flyer– and what a time to earn it.
I love you Dan Vladar. #Flyers pic.twitter.com/YNIpt0tPrO
— Flyers Nation (@FlyersNation) April 21, 2026
Penalty kill came through big time
In what might be a brand new sentence this year: the penalty kill bailed them out. The Penguins were rolling in the offensive zone all night, with five power plays on top of that. With those five opportunities, the Flyers outscored the Penguins 1-0. Owen Tippett and Garnet Hathaway combined for a massive insurance tally, with big emphasis on the Owen Tippett of it all.
Owen Tippett, are you kidding me pic.twitter.com/e3vvaJw4xE
— Travis Ballinghoff (@travieballin26) April 21, 2026
It doesn’t get any better than that. With three penalties in the first period alone, the Flyers still held the Penguins to just two shots on goal in the opening frame. If they aren’t so effective, this game turns on its’ head quickly. It was fitting that they were able to close the door with the extra attacker scenario acting as a sixth penalty kill. They rode one of their most inconsistent facets to the most unlikely of outcomes: a two game series lead.
