The staunch rivalry between the Flyers and Penguins will resume in mid-April 2021 – and fans can look forward to some action-packed clashes between the Pennsylvania adversaries.
Robert Hagg #8 of the Philadelphia Flyers and Jared McCann #19 of the Pittsburgh Penguins
They were at each other’s throats in early March, when Penguins took Game 1 by 5 goals to 2. The Flyers then reversed the result with a 4-3 margin a few days later. The Penguins then avenged that defeat with a tight 4-3 triumph in Game 3.
NHL fans are privy to legal gambling across the US state and can also indulge in the upcoming Flyers-Penguins showdowns with PA online gambling sites. They have casino games and sports betting. Unibet, for example, have the Penguins priced at 15/2 to win the East Division. BetAmerica, meanwhile, have the Flyers priced at 13/4 to make the playoffs.
Defenseman Mark Friedman largely polarised loyalties recently. Friedman used to play for Philadelphia, but is now with Pittsburgh. What’s more is his first game for the Penguins was against the Flyers. He put in a key assist in his first game and goaled in the second.
“It was definitely an experience like no other,” Friedman told the Jewish Chronicle. “The first game turned out well, then the first period turned out well for the second game. It was definitely thinking a big ‘woohoo’ when I scored, for sure I’m happy.
Pittsburgh Penguins Tristan Jarry #35, Jack Johnson #3 and Travis Konecny #11 of the Philadelphia Flyers
“I can say I’m on the good side of the rivalry, let’s put it that way. There is more of a homier feel than Philadelphia. It’s not as busy, not as noisy, nicer people. It’s not as dirty, especially in Cranberry where I live. It’s just a great neighbourhood.”
The experienced Ron Hextall is another solid example of a Pennsylvania NHL man effectively ‘crossing the floor. Hextall was the general manager of Philadelphia. He now has the same role with Pittsburgh. Among his first key appointments at his new home was director of player personnel Chris Pryor.
“Chris is a top evaluator of talent, and it’s been proven over many, many years. We’re excited to have him on board. He was the number one priority for sure. We can sit with assistant GM Patrik Allvin, Chris, myself and president of hockey operations Brian Burke and go full evaluation on different areas of our staff.”
Joel Farabee, Kasperi Kapanen, Carter Hart and Cody Ceci should be among the stars set to have a major impact when the Flyers and Penguins meet again. All four were central to early March’s series.
Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Mike Richards, and Claude Giroux should feature, too.
Plenty of eyes will be on Crosby, who has been labelled the best player of his generation by pundits, critics and fans alike. Having recently recorded 1,000 NHL appearances, Crosby welcomed 1,300 points in late March.
Philadelphia Flyers Goalie Brian Elliott #37 looks around the screen of Jared McCann #19 of the Pittsburgh Penguins as Justin Braun #61 of the Philadelphia Flyers helps defend the net.
He reached the milestone in 1,017. Only seven others have done so quicker – Wayne Gretzky (539), Mario Lemieux (633), Marcel Dionne (946), Phil Esposito (966), Steve Yzerman (982), Jaromir Jagr (1,104) and Bryan Trottier (1,014).
Crosby is the 36th player in the history of the NHL to reach 1,300 points. He is the 20th centre to achieve the feat.
“It’s a nice number. I wasn’t thinking about it at the time. I guess it’s a sign I’ve been playing for a pretty long time, too. It’s always nice to get those milestones. I’m pleased that it has happened. Now it’s time to move along,” he said.
Crosby missed one of the recent games against the Flyers. He will be keen to get back against opposition of which he once said, “I don’t like them, I don’t like any guy on their team.”
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