Malkin scores, Silovs stops 19 shots as Penguins pile on in 7-0 win over Flyers in teams' opener

Evgeni Malkin, Hendrix Lapierre, and Filip Hallander scored in the second period as the Pittsburgh Penguins dominated the Philadelphia Flyers 7-0 in their season opener. Arturs Silovs made 19 saves and recorded his third career shutout, his 57th start. Nick Robertson scored twice for the Penguins, while Ville Koivunen and Egor Chinakhov added goals.

Sidney Crosby contributed an assist. This victory marked the first time the Penguins had won at home against the Flyers since April, when the Flyers triumphed in a playoff series. The Flyers received a standing ovation when they scored the winning goal, but the atmosphere quickly turned hostile, culminating in a raucous reaction after the second period and loud boos.

The Penguins aimed to build on their strong start, with Malkin reuniting with Crosby and Letang, hoping to secure a playoff berth for the first time in nearly a decade. The 40-year-old Malkin netted an early goal, becoming the sixth player with at least 100 points against the Flyers. Crosby's assist on Robertson's opening goal extended his record with 140 career points against Philadelphia.

Vladar, who hadn't played a full preseason game due to an injury, struggled in his first start, allowing the Penguins to score five goals on their initial 18 shots. The Penguins will face Montreal in their home opener next Saturday, while the Flyers will travel to New Jersey on Thursday.