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One Flyers player keeps annoying the Penguins and has reignited the rivalry
Photo credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
The rivalry between the Penguins and Flyers isn't what it used to be, but Trevor Zegras appears to be changing that, as he continues to annoy Pittsburgh.
The quiet stretch is apparently at an end. One of the most storied battles in the National Hockey League, the rivalry between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Philadelphia Flyers, has begun to seem like just another game in the past few years.
However, the 2025-2026 season has changed all of that. The Penguins and Flyers have already had two encounters, and the animosity was renewed quickly. In one of them, a full-blown brawl broke out after an overtime period.
What Trevor Zegras has done to reignite the rivalry
Trevor Zegras of the Flyers has had an integral role in this series, whether it was his scrap with Noel Acciari or his series of head fakes against Connor Clifton in their second contest.
In October, Sidney Crosby was deemed ineligible to participate in the shootout because he left his bench during a scrum, a move that angered the Penguins and further fueled the growing hostility between these two teams.
This is no replay of the infamous series from 2012, where coaches were divided apart in an April 1 meltdown, and suspensions were handed out days later in the playoffs. But the rivalry itself does have a sense of familiarity.
Why Thursday's game will have some extra special meaning
Thursday's game is one to be taken seriously. Both clubs are in a battle for playoff spots, and for the first time in several years, there's meaning in the standings for this rivalry.
The Flyers will play in Pittsburgh for the first time this year under new head coach Rick Tocchet, who played and coached for the Penguins.
Clifton, a Philadelphia native, knew about the rivalry from afar before playing for Pittsburgh. Seeing it live, especially Zegras' antics, is only adding to the atmosphere.
History indicates the bitter memories of previous encounters tend not to fade easily. With playoff spots on the line and the intensity building, this installment has the makings of more than an average chapter.
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Evgeni Malkin caught in funny moment during Penguins practice today
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 15 | 75 ANSWERS One Flyers player keeps annoying the Penguins and has reignited the rivalry Has Trevor Zegras made Penguins fans hate the Flyers even more? | ||
| Yes | 55 | 73.3 % |
| No | 20 | 26.7 % |
| List of polls | ||