Pittsburgh Penguins vs Philadelphia Flyers Game 3 Prediction: Can Philly Take 3-0 Series Lead?
Updated July 9, 2026
The Battle of Pennsylvania shifts to Philadelphia on Wednesday night with the Philadelphia Flyers holding a 2-0 series lead over the Pittsburgh Penguins. Through two games, the Flyers have controlled the action with incredible defensive work, while Pittsburgh has been left searching for answers after back-to-back losses. Penguins vs Flyers Game 3 is incredibly important for both sides, as the Penguins try to avoid falling into a near-insurmountable hole, while the Flyers aim to tighten their grip on the series in front of their home crowd.
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Philadelphia enters Game 3 riding a five-game winning streak and has taken both games in Pittsburgh, including a convincing 3-0 shutout in Game 2. The Penguins, meanwhile, have dropped five straight overall and have yet to find offensive consistency in this series. Pittsburgh has scored just two goals across the first two games, a troubling sign for a team that averaged 3.54 goals per game during the season.
Goaltending
The goaltending edge has clearly favored Philadelphia. Dan Vladar has been sharp, highlighted by a 27-save shutout in Game 2. His calm presence has frustrated Pittsburgh shooters and he has limited second-chance opportunities. On the other side, Stuart Skinner has been serviceable but has not received enough support from the Pittsburgh attack. With a save percentage below Vladar’s in the series and a goals-against average north of 3.00 during the season, Skinner faces mounting pressure in the playoffs, like he never left Edmonton.
Key skaters
Philadelphia’s depth has made the difference. Rookie Porter Martone has scored in both games, while Garnet Hathaway delivered a goal and an assist in Game 2. Travis Konecny continues to lead the offense overall with 68 points this season. For Pittsburgh, the concern lies with its stars. Sidney Crosby has been held without a point through two games, and the top lines centered by Crosby and Evgeni Malkin have yet to break through consistently. Anthony Mantha, who led the team with 33 goals in the regular season, will need to step up as well.
All signs point to Philadelphia maintaining control in Game 3. The Flyers have dictated the pace, limited high-danger chances, and capitalized on key opportunities, including a short-handed goal in Game 2. Their defense has effectively neutralized Pittsburgh’s top players, forcing low-quality shots and stalled power play sequences. With the series shifting to their home ice, that advantage could become even more pronounced. I'll go with Philly to maintain their momentum over the Pens and for the Flyers to take a commanding 3-0 series lead.
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