Image Source: NHL.com
Penguins vs Flyers headlines Wednesday night’s NHL action as Pittsburgh visits Philadelphia for a highly anticipated early-season matchup. The game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET on September 30, 2026, with coverage available on HBO Max, truTV and TNT.
Both teams are looking to establish momentum, and the projected lineups feature an intriguing mix of veteran stars, new additions and promising young talent. The latest NHL status report also provides important updates for fans, bettors and fantasy hockey managers monitoring final lineup decisions.
Penguins vs Flyers Projected Lineups and Starting Goalies
Pittsburgh is expected to open with Nick Robertson, Sidney Crosby and Rickard Rakell on its top line. Crosby remains the central figure in the Penguins’ attack, while Robertson’s presence adds another potential scoring option beside the longtime captain.
The second line is projected to feature Egor Chinakhov, Tommy Novak and Evgeni Malkin. Ville Koivunen, Hendrix Lapierre and Filip Hallander are listed on the third line, while Conor Dewar, Blake Lizotte and Elmer Soderblom make up the projected fourth unit.
On defense, Pittsburgh is expected to rely on Erik Karlsson and Declan Carlile, followed by Trevor van Riemsdyk with Kris Letang and Samuel Girard with Kaedan Korczak. Arturs Silovs is projected to start in goal, with Sergei Murashov listed as the backup.
Philadelphia’s projected top line includes Owen Tippett, Trevor Zegras and Porter Martone. The Flyers’ second unit features Tyson Foerster, Christian Dvorak and Travis Konecny, giving coach Rick Tocchet a combination of speed, skill and experience.
Alex Bump, Noah Cates and Matvei Michkov are projected on the third line. The fourth group includes Carl Grundstrom, Sean Couturier and Noel Acciari. Philadelphia’s defensive pairs are expected to feature Travis Sanheim with Rasmus Ristolainen, Cam York with Jamie Drysdale, and Nick Seeler with Simon Benoit.
Dan Vladar is expected to start for the Flyers after missing Philadelphia’s final two preseason games because of an upper-body injury suffered against the Boston Bruins on September 22. Joseph Woll is listed as the backup goaltender.
Important Pittsburgh Injury and Availability Updates
Blake Lizotte took part in Pittsburgh’s optional morning skate and is expected to play. The forward had missed time during training camp because of an upper-body injury, making his return an encouraging development for the Penguins.
However, Bryan Rust and Ben Kindel remain on injured reserve and are considered week to week. Both forwards skated in noncontact jerseys, but Penguins coach Dan Muse said there had been no change in their status.
Justin Brazeau, Ryan Graves and Ben Kindel are listed among Pittsburgh’s injured players. David Gustafsson, Rutger McGroarty and Ilya Solovyov are projected to be scratched.
The Penguins are also dealing with a difficult personal situation away from the ice. Forward Andrei Kuzmenko remains away from the team following the death of his father, Alexander. The funeral took place in Russia on Monday.
Flyers Receive Positive News Before Puck Drop
Philadelphia held an optional morning skate, with Couturier and Acciari the only healthy players who did not participate. Tocchet said both players are available, meaning the Flyers’ projected lineup remains intact unless there is a late change.
Denver Barkey and Nikita Grebenkin are listed as injured, while Garrett Wilson and David Jiricek are projected to be scratched. The Flyers will hope Vladar’s return gives them stability in net as they begin the regular-season schedule.
The matchup also offers an early look at several players who could shape their teams’ seasons. Zegras brings creativity to Philadelphia’s attack, while Michkov remains one of the most closely watched young forwards in the league. For Pittsburgh, Crosby and Malkin provide proven leadership, while Robertson and Chinakhov add fresh offensive intrigue.
Fantasy Hockey Impact and Key Players to Watch
- Sidney Crosby: His top-line role makes him one of Pittsburgh’s most dependable fantasy options.
- Evgeni Malkin: The second-line center remains a major power-play and scoring threat.
- Trevor Zegras: His playmaking ability gives him significant upside in Philadelphia’s top-six attack.
- Matvei Michkov: The young forward could make an immediate impact alongside skilled linemates.
- Dan Vladar: His return from injury is a key factor for fantasy managers considering Philadelphia’s goaltending options.
The Penguins vs Flyers rivalry typically brings intensity, physical play and strong emotional energy, even before the standings begin to take shape. With both teams entering the contest at 0-0-0, Wednesday’s result could provide an early confidence boost and reveal how each lineup performs under regular-season pressure.
Penguins vs Flyers FAQ
When is the Penguins vs Flyers game?
The game is scheduled for Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Who is expected to start in goal for Pittsburgh?
Arturs Silovs is projected to start for the Penguins, with Sergei Murashov listed as the backup.
Who is expected to start for Philadelphia?
Dan Vladar is expected to start for the Flyers after recovering from an upper-body injury.
Is Blake Lizotte expected to play?
Yes. Lizotte participated in Pittsburgh’s optional morning skate and is expected to return to the lineup.
Which players are unavailable for the Penguins?
Bryan Rust and Ben Kindel remain on injured reserve and are considered week to week. Justin Brazeau and Ryan Graves are also listed as injured.
