Philadelphia Flyers vs Pittsburgh Penguins: 2019 Stadium Series edition

The Philadelphia Flyers will host the Pittsburgh Penguins in an outdoor game Lincoln Financial Field for the 2019 NHL Stadium Series.

Coming in without young goaltender Carter Hart due to a lower body injury, the Philadelphia Flyers have to embrace a “Next Man Up” mentality as they host the Pittsburgh Penguins at Lincoln Financial Field (go birds) for the 2019 NHL Stadium Series event.

This is, obviously, a huge matchup for the Flyers but not just because of the exposure of an outdoor game. Philadelphia enters this contest eight points out of the second Wild Card spot, which is held by the Penguins. Another loss to Pittsburgh would basically knock them out of the playoff race, with 10 points being a very deep hole to dig out of.

In what may be his last game in an Orange and Black uniform with the NHL Trade Deadline on Monday, I would definitely expect Wayne Simmonds to make a major impact as soon as the puck drops. Before Thursday night’s loss to the Montreal Canadiens, TSN Insider Pierre LeBrun tweeted out that interest was intensifying on the power forward but the Flyers were focused on the playoff race leading up to Monday’s deadline before making a final decision. There’s no doubt losing here would all but cement his future and I’m certain Simmer won’t go out quietly no matter the outcome of the game.

Not having Hart between the pipes is tough. Brian Elliott hasn’t looked very strong in his return from injury, either, but does have good career numbers against Pittsburgh. Philadelphia will have to help the veteran goaltender out on the defensive end by covering the zone properly while also cutting down on giveaways.

The Flyers will go for win number 29 in this Metropolitan Division showdown with the Pens. Puck-drop is set for 8pm EST.