The Philadelphia Flyers took a commanding 3-0 series lead with a 5-2 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins in Game 3 of their first-round playoff matchup.

Pittsburgh struck first with a power-play goal from Evgeni Malkin in the opening period, but the Flyers responded with a dominant second. Trevor Zegras tied the game on the power play before Rasmus Ristolainen and Nick Seeler scored to give Philadelphia a 3-1 lead. Erik Karlsson briefly pulled the Penguins within one in the third, but Noah Cates extended the lead on another power play goal, and Owen Tippett sealed it with an empty-netter. Dan Vladar made 28 saves in the win.

Philadelphia’s three-goal second period proved to be the turning point, capitalizing on momentum and special teams. The Flyers now sit one win away from advancing, while Pittsburgh faces elimination in Game 4.  

— STP Staff