The Philadelphia Flyers fell 0-7 to the Pittsburgh Penguins in their NHL season opener. Pittsburgh claimed a convincing rematch victory after Philadelphia had eliminated the Penguins in six games in the previous year's opening-round playoff series. The away team was in complete control from start to finish, and the final margin left no doubt about which side was dominant.
Pittsburgh laid the groundwork early
The Penguins came out with sustained offensive-zone pressure and built a 2-0 lead in the first period. Nick Robertson opened the scoring on a feed from Kris Letang, who had first been set up by Sidney Crosby. Robertson redirected the puck past the goaltender. Ville Koivunen then made it 2-0 with a backhand shot, assisted by Samuel Girard and Kaedan Korczak.
For Ville Koivunen, the goal was a meaningful moment at an early stage of his development in Pittsburgh. The forward had signed a long-term contract with the Penguins over the summer after having scored just two NHL goals prior to this season. Against Philadelphia, he made his offensive presence felt right from the start.
Evgeni Malkin and Hendrix Lapierre extended the lead
The second period effectively put the game out of reach. Evgeni Malkin found the back of the net on the power play from the slot, combining with Hendrix Lapierre on the play. Lapierre then scored himself shortly after, with Filip Hallander and D. Carlile picking up the assists. Hallander added another goal moments later, pouncing on a loose puck in front of the net.
That left the Flyers trailing 0-5 after two periods. Hendrix Lapierre, who joined Pittsburgh from the Washington Capitals over the summer, delivered a personal milestone with his goal. After a lengthy scoring drought the previous season, he found the net in his very first game of the new campaign.
Penguins completed the comprehensive away win
Pittsburgh showed no let-up in the third period. Nick Robertson scored his second goal of the night to make it 6-0, with Filip Hallander contributing the assist. Egor Chinakhov then put the finishing touch on the victory with a power-play goal, set up by Erik Karlsson and Rickard Rakell.
The period-by-period breakdown read 2-0, 3-0 and 2-0 in Pittsburgh's favour. The Flyers were held scoreless throughout and could not cope with Pittsburgh's offensive variety over sixty minutes. Dan Vladar started in goal for Philadelphia and was tested by a Penguins attack that found ways to score in multiple situations — on the power play, at even strength, and through chances created in front of the net.
A statement result to open the season
The 7-0 victory gave Pittsburgh a commanding start to the 2026-27 season and served as a clear response to their playoff exit the previous spring. Philadelphia, meanwhile, suffered a heavy defeat in what was the earliest season opener in Flyers history. Porter Martone, heading into his first full NHL season and considered an early Calder Trophy candidate, was unable to make an impact for the home side.
Beyond the scoreline itself, the Penguins' offensive depth and power-play efficiency were the standout storylines. Nick Robertson led the way with two goals, while Ville Koivunen, Evgeni Malkin, Hendrix Lapierre, Filip Hallander and Egor Chinakhov each added one. Pittsburgh produced a complete team effort to take the opening head-to-head of the new season in emphatic fashion.
