What time does Penguins-Flyers actually start? Why NHL playoff game is delayed Saturday night originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers commence a highly anticipated NHL playoff series in the opening round of the postseason on Saturday night.It promises to be a good time for all the hockey fans in Pennsylvania.It's been a while for the Flyers, who haven't been in the playoffs since 2020.It's at least a tad of a surprise for the Penguins, who were thought by some before the season to simply be too old.Now, though, they're both in the dance.

It's up to them to pull out the right moves.They'll just have to be a little patient. As is often the case, this one doesn't seem likely to start on time.MORE: Sabres' playoff ticket costs are mind-blowingWhat time does Penguins-Flyers actually start?The Penguins-Flyers game isn't due to actually begin until 8:25 p.m. ET.It's listed as an 8 p.m. start, but apparently that isn't entirely accurate:So while it's technically an 8 PM start tonight for the networks, I'm told that it's really an 8:25 PM puck drop for Flyers-Pens Game 1.

So just account for that in your plans...— Charlie O'Connor (@charlieo_conn) April 18, 2026Why is Penguins-Flyers delayed?This is just how it works this time of year. There are plenty of festivities to undertake before Game 1 of a playoff series.There's also TV to account for, as the NHL would likely prefer none of its games to do too much overlapping to ensure the best ratings on all of them.You won't have to wait too long, at least.More NHL news:Maple Leafs' president brought AI trade pitches to deadline meetingsAlex Ovechkin reveals his retirement plansA Brady Tkachuk trade warning is in playOffseason trade still might be coming for SabresConnor McDavid makes 100-year hockey history with Wayne Gretzky