Neither the Pittsburgh Penguins nor the Philadelphia Flyers were expected by most fans and Insiders to qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs this season. After all, both clubs finished on the outside looking in last season, and both teams had combined for a total of 10 years without making an appearance in the playoffs.
However, both clubs have defied the odds and most reasonable expectations by punching their tickets to the annual dance; the Penguins qualified for the first time since 2022, while the Flyers are back in for the first time since 2020.
Both clubs also have new head coaches for this season. After dismissing head coach Mike Sullivan, Penguins GM Kyle Dubas hired former New York Rangers assistant coach Dan Muse in his stead. Meanwhile, Flyers GM Danny Briere hired former Philadelphia forward Rick Tocchet to lead the club behind the bench.
Speaking of Tocchet, who is already well familiar with the rigors of playing in the Stanley Cup Playoffs from his long playing career, he’s already putting the Penguins on notice with how he plans on having his team play.
Former Pittsburgh Penguins Assistant Rick Tocchet Puts Them On Notice
Tocchet spent several seasons behind the Penguins’ bench, helping the club win back-to-back Stanley Cup titles in 2016 and 2017. There are few in the NHL who aren’t more aware of the dangers that the likes of Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin still present to their opposition, and he made it clear they’ll need to be neutralized in the upcoming Battle of Pennsylvania series.
“I won a couple of cups with Crosby, (Evgeni) Malkin, (Kris) Letang (in 2016 and 2017). These guys, they don’t die,” said Tocchet about the impending playoff battle. “These guys are just warriors. We’re going to have our hands full, and we have to have some game-planning here this week. But those guys don’t die. It’s going to be a tough series, and we’re going to have to go after those guys.”
Prior to being hired by the Flyers, for whom he played during his NHL career along with the Penguins, Tocchet won the Jack Adams Award as the League’s top coach with the Vancouver Canucks in 2023-24 before departing this past offseason.
During his NHL career, Tocchet also suited up for the Boston Bruins, Phoenix Coyotes, Washington Capitals, and Los Angeles Kings.
He’s served as the head coach of multiple franchises, including the Coyotes, as well as the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The Flyers Are Looking Forward To Facing The Penguins
For the current version of the Flyers, it will be the first time that they’ve gotten the chance to battle the Penguins in Stanley Cup Playoff action.
“Couldn’t have drawn it up any better, Battle of Pennsylvania, and it’s going to be a good one,” Flyers forward Owen Tippett said. “We’re excited.”
“They’ve got a couple Hall of Famers, I know that for sure,” said Trevor Zegras. “They’re a great team, and they’ve had a great regular season. We had some good battles with them, so it should be fun.”
The Penguins, who earned home ice advantage, will host the first two games of the series.
Flyers Coach Rick Tocchet Warns Penguins Stars Before Playoff Series