“Just so appreciative for the opportunity to have played with them as long as we have. Hopefully, we can keep going,” Crosby said after the playoff elimination from the 2025-26 NHL campaign, via Pens Inside Scoop. “It’s kind of hard to put into words, honestly. We probably have just gotten used to. I think they’re like family. We’ve had some great wins, some tough losses like this.”

Crosby’s statement was a clear message to the organization and the higher ranks in the front office, including president of hockey operations Kyle Dubas. Still, the Penguins will take their time before coming to a final decision on Malkin, who will turn 40 before the 2026–27 NHL season. In fact, Malkin will be the same age as Dubas when the puck drops in October.

Crosby, Malkin, and Letang: ‘The Big Three’

Crosby, Malkin, and Kris Letang have played together for the past 20 seasons in the NHL. No other trio in North American sports history has been together for as long as the “Big Three” in Pittsburgh. Ask any of the three, and they hope to keep the streak going in the 2026–27 season.

However, at some point, the front office must decide what’s best for the organization. Malkin is set to become an unrestricted free agent (UFA) in the summer, and although Dubas has admitted there’s interest in a reunion, anything can happen.

If it were up to Crosby, the decision would be made in a heartbeat, though he understands the business side of it and doesn’t take these past two decades for granted. Obviously, the trio has led Pittsburgh to three Stanley Cup conquests (2009, 2016, and 2017).

Where do the Penguins go next?

Entering this season, many expected it to be a sort of last dance for the “Big Three.” Making the postseason was a surprise, and the belief in the City of Bridges was that the trio could pull off one last improbable deep run. In the end, Crosby, Malkin, and Letang did their job but couldn’t overcome the lack of depth in Pittsburgh, and the young Flyers squad ultimately took them out in six games, in identical fashion to their first-round elimination by Philly in 2012.

Now, the dilemma is even harder for the Penguins. Should they call it a career for the “Big Three,” or have the three veterans proven to be part of the solution? Whichever route Dubas and company go down, only time will tell whether it was the right move or not.

For as much success as Crosby and company have had, the past few years have been anything but kind to fans in Pittsburgh. Moreover, extending Malkin may only be clawing at and holding on to the last thread of the glory days in the City of Bridges. It might have lost its grace and may be seen as more of a last-ditch effort than a tribute to the franchise’s active heroes..

Might be time to move on

Since hoisting back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017, the Penguins have only won a single playoff series. That was back in 2018. Since the Washington Capitals knocked them out of the second round, en route to their Cup conquest, the Pens haven’t been the same.

Pittsburgh has been bounced in the opening round five times since (including once in the qualifying round in the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs in the bubble). Moreover, they missed the postseason entirely three years in a row (2023, 2024, and 2025).

Pittsburgh’s 2025–26 NHL season was an anomaly. Against all odds, the Pens made the playoffs in Dan Muse’s first year as head coach. However, at the end of the day, it was only an oasis in the desert. It takes no master in biology to know a penguin won’t last long in the desert, and thus time is running out for Pittsburgh to figure out what’s wrong.

It starts with Malkin

Nailing the Malkin decision in the offseason is only the first step, yet it could well make or break Dubas’ plans for the summer. Crosby has sent his two cents out there for the organization to listen to, and it will. However, Crosby is only signed through one more season, and sooner or later, the Penguins will have to brace for a team that no longer features “Sid the Kid.”

“That’s something that happens sometimes. You try to go in front of the net. Sometimes [those shots] hit you, sometimes they go by and they don’t hit you. I feel good,” Crosby admitted after Game 5, via Pens Inside Scoop on X.

Crosby was also hit with an ill-intended cross-check by Travis Konecny after the buzzer sounded in Game 5. Despite falling to the ice and being slow to get up, Crosby made no mention of the incident, so all signs indicate he’s good to go for the next matchup against the Flyers.

Crosby is healthy for Penguins

Hearing Crosby is fully healthy is just what fans in Pittsburgh wanted to hear. The Penguins have battled back from down 3-0 in the series against the Philadelphia Flyers to force a Game 6 back in the City of Brotherly Love. Only one more win separates the Pens from forcing a win-or-go-home Game 7 back at PPG PAINTS Arena.

Pittsburgh may be operating with an advantage, as its last two outings in the Stanley Cup Playoffs have already been elimination games. Playing with their backs against the wall, Crosby and company finally showed their teeth, and the Flyers are sensing the pressure.

2012 flashback gives Flyers hope

Though the Flyers’ lineup looks nothing like it did back in the 2011–12 NHL campaign, there are many similarities between the two first-round matchups against the Penguins that year and this time around. Both times, Philly jumped to a 3-0 lead before Pittsburgh clawed its way back to force a Game 6 in South Philadelphia. The Flyers would go on to win that game and eliminate the Pens.

Over a decade has passed since, but the squad in the Birthplace of America is hanging on to the hope that history will repeat itself. It serves as consolation; if not, the panic meter would be at an all-time high. Perhaps it already is.

Flyers sense the pressure, Penguins feed off of it

The Flyers are young and lack playoff experience. Watching how Crosby and company refuse to go out puts an incredible amount of pressure on them. The Penguins are using that to their advantage.

Moreover, the fact Philadelphia is punishing its best players and pointing blaming fingers around the locker room may be the perfect sign for the Pens. Penguins may not be the apex predator, but even they can smell blood and decide to go in for the kill.

Series schedule

The Penguins will travel to the Cradle of Liberty for Game 6 on April 29. If they manage to come away with their third straight triumph in the series, the Pens will keep their Stanley Cup hopes alive in the 2025–26 NHL season and force a decisive Game 7 back home in the City of Bridges. The win-or-go-home showdown is scheduled for May 2.

“I think there’s a chance [this series goes to 7 games]. If you wake up Sidney Crosby, this guy is unbelievable. I hate the guy and I love him at the same time. He’s going to have to lead the Penguins,” Oshie stated during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. “If they are going to have any chance at coming back, it’s going to be on Sid’s shoulders.”

Crosby has come to life late in the series. Though the Penguins are still between a rock and a hard place, there were signs of improvement during Game 4’s victory. Crosby recorded two points (a goal and an assist) during Pittsburgh’s 4-2 win to avoid being swept by the Flyers. Crosby had put the Flyers on notice after the Penguins avoided elimination in Game 4, and now a former champion like Oshie may be trying to warn Philly, as well.

Penguins stayed alive

As the series returns to The Burgh, the Flyers know they must nip the problem in the bud before Crosby and company catch fire. Perhaps, the beast has been awaken, and it’s already too late.

The fourth win is said to be the hardest to secure in every Stanley Cup playoff matchup in the NHL, and a young squad like the one in Philadelphia may learn that lesson the hard way.

Crosby has gone back to doing Crosby things. The fact he scored a one-timer from an improbable position on the ice in Game 4 may be all the signs the Penguins need to know their captain is back in full force. The Pens may not need anything more. Crosby might be enough for them to secure another crucial victory in Game 5 and take the series back to the City of Brotherly Love.

Crosby, Penguins take it one game at a time

Pittsburgh won’t ever have any kind of love or respect for Philadelphia, but right now, there’s nothing the Black and Yellow want more than traveling back to the Birthplace of America for a Game 6. With no room for error but hanging on by a thread of hope, the Penguins are almost in an ideal spot to play relaxed and find their best hockey. What’s done is done. Taking a one-game-at-a-time approach may be the best thing the Pens can do.

Having lost only one game, the Flyers may look at Game 4’s defeat as a fluke outing. However, if they lose two in a row and suddenly find themselves in a pivotal Game 6 at Xfinity Mobile Arena, the nerves and anxiety may eat Philly alive.

Playoff experience doesn’t show up on any stat sheet, but it’s often the X-factor in a series. When the tide gets rough, it comes to light. This is a great time for the Pens’ experience to come into play.

According to Flyers beat reporter Charlie O’Connor, Michkov is trending to serve as a healthy scratch in Game 5 of the NHL‘s Stanley Cup Playoffs. During Philadelphia’s practice on Sunday, the 21-year-old Russian—who has been held scoreless in the first four games of the series—participated as an extra in line rushes.

Thus, all signs indicate Michkov will take the fall for the team’s shortcomings in Game 4 and his own rough performances so far in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Sidney Crosby put the Flyers on notice as the Penguins stayed alive, and Philly doesn’t need to be told twice. After failing to close out the series against the Penguins, the Flyers are wasting no time making changes.

Fans react to Michkov’s reported healthy scratch

Reactions to the report of Michkov’s healthy scratch were mixed. Some fans in Philadelphia agree with the call, as Michkov has been a non-factor so far in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Perhaps, this is the scolding he needs to find his footing. “It’ll do him good to watch a game from above,” a fan stated on social media. “I think it’s best. [Michkov] looks completely lost and struggling to keep pace,” another user wrote.

Others beg to differ. While no one denies Michkov hasn’t been playing like expected, some fans didn’t love the fact it was him who had to pay the price—again. “Scapegoating the future of the franchise,” a fan said. “I figured that as he is the easiest one to do it to,” another Flyers fan commented.

Mickhov and a complicated season

Michkov has been in the eye of the storm for a while in Philadelphia. The sophomore has built a rough relationship with head coach Rick Tocchet, who hasn’t shied away from publicly calling the Russian out all season long. It started with a comment about how Michkov didn’t arrive in shape for preseason. That was a recurrent topic Tocchet came back to often during the campaign, as Michkov had his ice time limited and his play style put on blast numerous times.

Some believe it’s all tough love; others think Tocchet has a grudge against Michkov. What’s clear is that Michkov has gotten the short end of the stick time and again in Philadelphia. Now, he is reportedly set to serve as a healthy scratch in one of the biggest games of the season for the Flyers.

If Tocchet can’t trust Michkov at this stage, it might be a breaking point for their relationship and Michkov’s confidence. It’s certainly a risky gamble on Tocchet’s part. However, it will all be forgotten by fans if Philadelphia walks out with a series-clinching victory from the City of Bridges.

Down 3-1, the series returns to Pittsburgh, where the Penguins must win their first home playoff game of the Stanley Cup Playoffs if they hope to stay alive in the 2025-26 NHL season. After being held scoreless through the first two games, Crosby has seemingly found his footing against Philadelphia.

Coming off a two-point outing against the Flyers in Game 4 at Xfinity Mobile Arena, the Pens’ captain spoke on the team’s performance. His message might as well serve as a warning to the Flyers, who have now learned the fourth win of any series is the hardest to secure.

“It’s only one, but it gives us some life,” Crosby admitted after the game, via Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “That looked more like our game. And it’s probably taken us three games to look like ourselves a bit. So that’s something that we can definitely build on.”

Penguins are one game away from elimination

The Penguins have their backs against the wall. Any mistake could put them out of the race for the Stanley Cup and bring an end to what’s been an incredible 2025–26 NHL campaign. Not many expected the Pens—nor the Flyers—to be here. Still, here they are, and they have no desire to head back home early.

Luckily for Pittsburgh, this isn’t Crosby and company’s first rodeo. They’ve been here before, although they’ve never come back from a 3–0 series deficit. There’s always a first time for everything, though. That’s looking at the bright side.

Penguins could relive 2012 memories

On the other hand, the series against the Flyers could turn out to be awfully similar to the matchup in the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs. That time, Crosby and the Penguins lost the first three games before prevailing in Games 4 and 5, only to be defeated in Game 6 back in the City of Brotherly Love. There’s a high chance the Pens-Flyers series goes exactly that way 14 years later. After all, history has a way of repeating itself.

Still, having looked like themselves for the first time in the series and snapping their six-game losing streak (going back to the regular season), the Penguins have reason to believe things can end up differently this time. Showings like their performance in Game 4 definitely help, and it might be just what Crosby and Pittsburgh needed to come to life.

Although Crosby finally registered his first point of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs—snapping his two-game drought—it wasn’t a good night for him or the Penguins. It felt like they weren’t on the referees’ good side all game long. Though Crosby had seen the glass half full despite the Pens’ terrible start to the series, that’s all changed. Desperation might be the one speaking now.

Crosby was assessed an embellishment penalty—the first of his career—on what would’ve been a critical man-advantage situation for the Pens. Still, Crosby was even more fired up about the second-period incidents that led to a game-changing power play for the Flyers.

“It kind of turned into a bit of a circus there,” Crosby said about the chaotic turn of events in the second period, via Pens Inside Scoop. “I’m not sure why [the refs] decided to put five guys in the box on each side. I felt like that kind of changed a lot of the momentum. Felt like [the Flyers] fed off that.”

What happened in second period?

Pittsburgh led 1-0 in the second period when all havoc broke loose on the ice. As players got involved in fisticuffs, the zebras handed out penalties like they were candy. A total of 11 penalties were assessed to 10 different players. The key difference was that Bryan Rust ended up with an extra penalty, handing Philly a power-play opportunity.

With five players on each team’s penalty box, Trevor Zegras cashed in with a thunderous one-timer in the man-advantage, and the game flipped entirely. It was all Flyers from there on out, and the Penguins could never recover.

“I don’t know how Rusty ends up with the extra [penalty] out of all of that, I don’t know how I end up with the embellishment,” Crosby said, expressing his confusion at the referees’ decisions in Game 3. “It’s hard to understand, but you gotta play through that.”

Officiating crew during Game 3

According to Scouting The Refs, Jake Brenk and Francois St. Laurent were the referees at Xfinity Mobile Arena during Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs matchup between the Flyers and Penguins. The linesmen were C. J. Murray and Jonny Murray.

Though namesakes, the two linespersons are not related. Moreover, C.J. Murray was born in Pittsburgh, but he still found himself in Crosby’s crosshairs, as the Penguins believe they got the short end of the stick.

Penguins face elimination

The Penguins are hanging on to their last life in the 2025–26 NHL season. Virtually nobody expected them to be in the postseason coming into the year, but after finishing second in the Metro, they hope to make the most of what might be the last rodeo for Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang. Fight to live another day—that’s the name of the game for Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh boasts an experienced lineup—this isn’t its first rodeo in the NHL postseason—and Crosby is hanging on to that as a beacon of hope. Although head coach Dan Muse made it clear Crosby and company should be frustrated after falling in consecutive home games, the captain himself sees this as an opportunity for the Penguins to prove themselves—once more.

“I think we’ve been in some tough spots all year,” Crosby commented, via NHL.com. “We’ve always responded really well to adversity. It seems like it’s brought out the best in all of us. I think that getting on the road and having a situation like this hopefully brings out the best in us again here.”

Crosby remains scoreless

Through the first two games of the first-round showdown against the Flyers, Crosby has been neutralized by Rick Tocchet and company. Despite registering 7 shots through two outings, the Pens’ captain has yet to score a point and is carrying a -2 plus/minus in the series. The last time Crosby was held scoreless in consecutive postseason games was during the 2020-21 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Crosby is far from the main culprit behind the Penguins‘ rough start to the Stanley Cup Playoffs—that could very well be the nail in their coffin—but his team still needs him to step up if Pittsburgh wants to stay alive. Being held scoreless by the Flyers is not like Crosby.

In his career, he has scored 139 points against the Flyers—the second most against any team, with only the Islanders ranking higher. Moreover, Crosby’s 60 career goals (regular season only) against Philadelphia are his most against a single opponent. In playoff games, Crosby has scored 15 goals against the Flyers.

When do Crosby and Penguins play again?

Crosby and the Penguins will hit the road for Games 3 and 4 of the first-round matchup against the Flyers. Pittsburgh’s first visit to Xfinity Mobile Arena will be on April 22, while Game 4 will take place on Saturday, Apr. 25. Thus, the Penguins are in for a long stay in Philly.

Though dubbed the City of Brotherly Love, it’s clear there is no love for the Flyers’ cross-state neighbors in South Philly. Entering the South Philadelphia Sports Complex, Crosby and the Penguins will quickly be reminded of how deep the rivalry runs.

Flyers vs Penguins: Playoff history

The Flyers have a chance to sweep the Pens in the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time in franchise history. The two franchises have met seven times in the postseason; Philadelphia leads with four series wins to Pittsburgh’s three, but neither has ever swept the other Pennsylvania organization.

A win in Game 3 could allow the Flyers to put their foot on the Pens’ throat, and it might be all she wrote for Crosby and company. If there’s a silver lining for Crosby and the Pens to hang their hats on, it’s that the Penguins have won their last three playoff games in Philly (2017-18 Stanley Cup Playoffs). If they can keep that trend going, they might save their 2025–26 NHL season.

“There should be frustration. (We) should be frustrated,” Muse admitted after Game 2, per NHL.com. “We just lost two games at home. And so, I would hope nobody’s happy right now. Nobody should be.”

While Crosby sees the glass half full despite the rough start to the series, Muse may not share his captain’s perspective. The Penguins know they can still turn things around, but they are up against the ropes. If Pittsburgh doesn’t return the favor and win both upcoming games (Games 3 and 4) in Philadelphia, the series may as well be over—even if it returns to the Burgh for Game 5.

Flyers have Pens’ number

Simply put, the Penguins have not been the better team through the first two games of the first-round series. Philadelphia looks hungrier, faster, stronger, and—most importantly—far more effective. The Pens can’t buy a goal, and the Flyers make it look easy.

In a playoff matchup featuring nine Stanley Cups combined between Crosby, Malkin, and Letang, there’s a 19-year-old with fewer than 10 NHL regular-season career games who’s running the show. Porter Martone has scored the game-winning goal in both games at PPG Paints Arena and is a big reason the Flyers lead 2–0 heading back to the City of Brotherly Love.

Penguins have to take a look in the mirror

Less than a two-hour flight from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia, Muse, Crosby, and company won’t have much time in the air for deep thinking. Still, they must figure out a way to retake control of the series. At some point, the Penguins’ playoff experience must carry its weight and not succumb to the energized young squad in Philadelphia.

The Penguins are no longer in 2012, but Crosby still doesn’t like the Flyers—least of all would he like to get knocked out of the Stanley Cup Playoffs by them, especially when postseason appearances have become rarer for the Pens, and this might be his last rodeo.

The Penguins came out a bit flat in their first playoff game since the 2021-22 NHL season. The energized Flyers dominated most of the action and they walked away with an important win to start the series. As for Pittsburgh, there’s room for improvement, and its leaders Crosby and Malkin may already know what needs to change. The Penguins must stay out of the box. In order to do so, they can’t play into the Flyers’ hands.

“That’s going to be part of a series,” Crosby admitted about after the whistle activities and penalties, per NHL.com. “I think we’ve got to stay out of it a little bit more and trust that when they do it and try to start it up, that they’re going to get penalized for it. But that’s more something I think they’re looking to do. We’ve got to stay out of it and trust they’ll be undisciplined.”

“We start fighting. This is what they want, you know? We know it’s Philly, we know it’s the playoffs, we know it’s coming,” Malkin added. “I like to play physical, I like to play a hard game. But just after a whistle, we need to just, like, go away and play smart. Everybody should be a little bit smarter.”

Crosby held pointless

Making his first postseason appearance since May 15, 2022, the spotlight was on Crosby as the Penguins hosted a Stanley Cup Playoffs game at PPG Paints Arena for the first time in what felt like forever for fans in The Burgh. However, Rick Tocchet and the Flyers came up with a strong plan to keep him quiet all night long.

Crosby was held off the scoresheet, and that is a recipe for success when facing the Penguins. Pittsburgh is 8–14 this season in games Crosby doesn’t register a point. Still, the Flyers can’t rest on their laurels.

Crosby will be out for revenge in Game 2, and he only needs one to be back in full force and be decisive in the series. Philadelphia should know that by now. “Sid the Kid” is 3–1 against the Flyers in playoff series.

Flyers win crucial Game 1

Analytics and common sense tell the whole story. Philadelphia secured a crucial triumph in Game 1. Winning the series opener is usually an indicator of success. According to a June 2023 article from Sports Insider, teams that win Game 1 go on to win the series 68% of the time. Those who do so on the road—like the Flyers did against the Penguins—have a series success rate of 57%.

These numbers may have fluctuated a bit since, but they remain in that range. Winning the series opener most of the time is an indicator of winning the series. Just because the math is on their side doesn’t mean the job is finished, though. The Flyers know they’ve awakened the beast, and they must brace for Crosby, Malkin, and the rest of the Penguins to unleash their wrath.

“It’s still there, maybe not to the extent that it was,” Crosby stated on his rivalry with Ovechkin and the Capitals, via Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “Hopefully people have been entertained. As competitors, as athletes, it’s been pretty cool to be able to be a part of some big games and that rivalry.”

The cooldown in the rivalry was made clear before puck drop and after the final horn in Washington’s 3-0 victory over Pittsburgh in the 2025–26 NHL season. Crosby and Ovechkin shared a moment before the game and were also together afterwards, when Crosby and Evgeni Malkin signed Ovi’s jersey and gifted him some memorabilia from the game. Moreover, Ovechkin thanked Crosby after the potential last matchup in the league.

Crosby vs Ovechkin: A rivalry built on respect

As fierce competitors as they are, and as much as both want to win against the other, Crosby and Ovechkin have built a bond over the years. As Crosby noted, the rivalry shifted a long time ago. The Penguins and Capitals haven’t been as competitive in recent years, and neither star has had it out for the other.

Instead, it seems both have become more aware of the other’s greatness. Despite being pitted against one another for their entire careers, both Crosby and Ovechkin have the utmost respect for one another, and their rivalry is far from an animated one nowadays.

Playoff matchups between Crosby and Ovi

Much can change if the Capitals end up coming away with a postseason berth. If Washington secures the third spot in the Metro Division, it will go up against second-seeded Pittsburgh in the first round. Perhaps that’s exactly what the rivalry needs to reignite its competitive flame.

Crosby’s Penguins and Ovechkin’s Capitals have met four times in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, with the former holding a 3-1 series advantage. Moreover, the Pens are 9-2 all-time against the Caps in playoff series.

Washington is by far the team Pittsburgh has knocked out of the Stanley Cup Playoffs the most. Maybe Ovechkin will get the last laugh. Or perhaps Crosby will send him into retirement with yet another playoff elimination.

As it stands, that might be a best-case scenario for the Capitals, who are in need of somewhat of a miracle to even make the postseason. As it stands, the Philadelphia Flyers are in full control of their destiny as the third seed in the Metro.

That would make for a vintage playoff showdown between the Flyers and Crosby’s Penguins. Contrary to his rivalry with Ovechkin and the Caps, that matchup will be filled with vitriol, as Crosby has lost none of his dislike for the Pens’ cross-state rivals.

“Me and Sid have a battle. We have lots of history. Obviously, it’s a special night for me, and for him, as well,” Ovechkin commented on facing Crosby on what might’ve been his last home game at Capital One Arena in Washington.

Ovechkin might have had the last laugh over Crosby in their historic rivalry, which was fueled by the utmost respect between the two best players of their generation, and two of the greatest in NHL history. Although Pittsburgh is headed to the Stanley Cup Playoffs and Washington could miss them, the Caps defeated the Pens by a score of 3-0 in what could’ve been the last “Ovechkin vs. Crosby” matchup.

The feeling that this might’ve been Ovi’s last dance was strong all game long. However, Ovechkin left the door open on a return to the Capitals next season. As the Russian goal machine admitted himself, fans will have to wait until the summer to learn his decision.

100th all-time showdown between Ovechkin and Crosby

Fans in Pittsburgh didn’t love the fact Crosby sat out the potential last game against Ovechkin at PPG Paints Arena. However, the Pens’ captain made sure to participate when his team traveled to the nation’s capital. As Crosby missed the Capitals’ 6-3 win over the Penguins on Saturday, Sunday’s matchup was the 100th time the two stars faced off in NHL history (including Stanley Cup Playoffs games).

Playoff race

While speculation and retirement rumors have taken over around the City of Monuments, Ovechkin and the Capitals remain focused on making the postseason. They are in for a steep climb, but anything can happen. There is only one ticket up for grabs in the Eastern Conference, and that is the third-place seed in the Metropolitan Division.

That means that if Ovechkin and the Caps somehow make the Stanley Cup Playoffs, they will face Crosby and the Pens in the first round. The more things change, the more they stay the same. It’d be the fifth time Ovi and Sid meet in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. If that happens, the “Ovechkin vs. Crosby” rivalry will truly be the gift that keeps on giving in the NHL.