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NFL rumors for Cowboys, Commanders, Alec Pierce suitors, and more on brink of free agent frenzy

NFL rumors for Cowboys, Commanders, Alec Pierce suitors, and more on brink of free agent frenzy

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In just over 24 hours, the NFL’s legal tampering period begins, and the true start to free agency will have arrived.

And if the latest rumors are any indication, football fans are in for a wild ride.

The league’s tampering period opens at noon on Monday, March 9 and already the speculation about player movement is rampant. This comes with Friday night’s blockbuster trade between the Las Vegas Raiders and the Baltimore Ravens as a backdrop, as the Ravens sent a pair of first-round picks — including the No. 14 pick in this year’s NFL Draft — to Las Vegas in exchange for Maxx Crosby.

What else might we see tomorrow? Let’s dive into the latest rumors.

Commanders expected to be active

After making a surprising run to the NFC Championship Game two seasons ago, the Washington Commanders crashed back to Earth a year ago. Jayden Daniels, coming off a tremendous rookie season, battled injuries throughout the year and the Commanders limped to a 5-12 finish.

But Washington has the fourth-most cap space in the league (more than $80 million in effective cap space according to Over the Cap) and with several needs to address, the Commanders are going to be active over the next few days. Two positions at the top of their list are wide receiver and running back, with Rico Dowdle and Mike Evans named as potential targets for the Commanders in the coming hours.

Cowboys pivoting after Maxx Crosby trade

The Baltimore Ravens were not the only team looking to acquire Maxx Crosby from the Raiders. Another franchise that tried to land the standout pass rusher was one that helped set the table for the Raiders’ asking price.

Last year it was Dallas that traded away a star pass rusher, when they sent Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers in exchange for a pair of first-round picks and stalwart defensive tackle Kenny Clark. But according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Cowboys were not willing to pay a similar price for Crosby.

“Dallas kept a hard line throughout,” wrote Fowler after the Crosby trade. “The franchise wasn’t willing to part with two first-round picks, hoping its 12th pick in April’s draft, plus a future second-rounder, would be enough to entice Las Vegas. Dallas was also willing to package a veteran player to sweeten the deal, but Vegas wasn’t interested in that. The Raiders prioritized picks.”

But with a need on the edge, Dallas now has to shift focus. Trey Hendrickson remains a potential target for the Cowboys, as Dallas has been checking on his availability dating back to last year’s trade deadline. Other options include Jaelan Phillips, Odafe Oweh, and Boye Mafe.

A.J. Brown trade rumors persist

Last week we addressed the financial implications of any A.J. Brown trade, outlining why teams interested in the wide receiver might have to be a little patient over the next few weeks, if not months.

Still, the rumors persist.

The New England Patriots seem to be at the front of any queue that is forming for the wide receiver, and according to Philadelphia-area radio host Anthony Gargano, the team made an offer of a first- and a third-round pick for the receiver that was rejected by Eagles general manager Howie Roseman.

“I do know that the Patriots have made an offer for A.J.,” Gargano said on his “The Anthony Gargano Show” Friday. “It’s around a one and a three (first-round and third-round NFL Draft picks). Not sure if the one is this year or next year, but I hear it’s a one and a three, and [Eagles general manager] Howie [Roseman] said no.”

Later in Friday’s show, Gargano spoke with NFL Network insider Mike Garafolo, who noted that while the Eagles are not budging on their asking price (of a first- and a second-round pick), the Patriots could decide to move on in a few days.

“Howie is holding firm,” Garafolo said. “Now, really, all eyes are toward New England, right now, if that’s a possibility. You know the connection there. It’s been talked about, and they definitely have been talking to him. There’s no question in my mind, and they have to make a decision, because they’re coming up on free agency here and Alec Pierce has been a guy that’s been mentioned in connection to New England. … Even though there’s not supposed to be, I’m sure there’s been talk between the Patriots and Alec Pierce.”

If the Patriots do shift their focus, then it is likely that Brown remains in Philadelphia for 2026. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport noted on Thursday night that it “certainly seems” like Brown will be playing for one of two teams next year: The Patriots, or the Eagles.

Romeo Doubs and Quay Walker rumors

Two players could be on their way out of Green Bay: Wide receiver Romeo Doubs and linebacker Quay Walker.

We can start with the linebacker, who sparked a bevy of rumors when he wiped anything Packers-related from his social media channels late last week.

Covering sports in the social media era is a joy, but I digress …

Add to that the fact that the Packers added veteran Zaire Franklin in a trade over the weekend, and the evidence indicates that Walker is likely going to be playing elsewhere next season. While the Packers “wanted to keep” Walker and “made several runs at re-signing him” ahead of the trade, according to Tom Pelissero, it looks as if Walker is going to hit the open market tomorrow:

A team to watch here? The Dallas Cowboys. Dallas has a need at linebacker and while the Cowboys have been linked to Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles throughout the pre-draft process, his performance at the NFL Scouting Combine could mean he comes off the board before Dallas is even on the clock in the first round at No. 12.

As for Doubs, the wide receiver grew into something of a No. 1 role with the Packers a year ago, catching 55 passes for 724 yards and six touchdowns. Brown, Alec Pierce, and Mike Evans are getting the bulk of attention, but expect Doubs to have a competitive market for his services. The Patriots could look to him as a Plan B if a trade for Brown cannot be completed, and teams such as the Tennessee Titans and San Francisco 49ers are worth watching when it comes to Doubs.

The latest on Alec Pierce

Alec Pierce’s emergence as a explosive playmaker for the Indianapolis Colts has made the young wide receiver one of the hottest players in this free agency market.

While Pierce wants to stay in Indianapolis given the chemistry he has developed with Daniel Jones — who was just hit with the transition tag by the Colts — teams with cap space to burn could make a very competitive offer for his services. As noted by Fowler, teams could put an offer of “at least $27 million per year” in front of the receiver, which would be tough for Indianapolis to match.

The Tennessee Titans are perhaps the favorites here, given the cap space that general manager Mike Borgonzi has to work with. Indianapolis has the most cap space in the NFL right now, with more than $100 million in effective cap space at their disposal.

Eagles have a Jaelan Phillips backup plan

As noted above, pass rusher Jaelan Phillips is a player teams like the Cowboys are keeping an eye on. After the Eagles traded for him last season, Phillips is set to hit free agency this week.

But general manager Howie Roseman is keen to keep him in Philadelphia, even though the financials could be difficult. At the moment the Eagles have just over $7 million in effective cap space, which could prove detrimental to a new deal.

If Phillips does leave town, Roseman could pivot to a trade with the Minnesota Vikings for Jonathan Greenard.

The Vikings are in an even worse financial position than Philadelphia, as Minnesota is currently over the cap as the new league year looms. Minnesota has made several key moves to get their financial house in order — restructuring contracts with Justin Jefferson, Christian Darrisaw, Byron Murphy, and T.J. Hockenson in recent days — but they have reportedly made Greenard available via a trade.

“The Eagles are believed to have inquired about Minnesota’s Jonathan Greenard,” Fowler reported. “The Vikings have received many inquiries on Greenard, who will be far cheaper to acquire than (Maxx) Crosby. A Day 2 pick probably gets a deal done.

“But complicating matters is Greenard’s contract. Teams say he wants a new deal. His current contract is set to pay him $38 million over the next two years. (Boye) Mafe is also considered a viable edge option if the Phillips deal doesn’t materialize.”

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Deadspin | Pistons seek return to identity vs. Magic after Game 1 shocker Apr 19, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (12) is defended by Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane (3) in the second half during the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images After an exceptional regular season, this wasn’t the start to the NBA playoffs that the Detroit Pistons envisioned. Reeling from a stunning Game 1 loss in which only two players reached double figures, the Eastern Conference’s top seed heads into Game 2 Wednesday against the visiting Orlando Magic facing early pressure to reset the best-of-seven series. The eighth-seeded Magic controlled the opener from the start, never trailing and leaning on a balanced offensive attack. Paolo Banchero led the way with 23 points while Franz Wagner scored 11 of his 19 in the fourth quarter to help close out the 112-101 win. For Detroit, the issue wasn’t just the loss — it was how it happened. The Pistons never established their defensive identity and struggled to find consistent offense beyond star guard Cade Cunningham, two areas that will be central entering Game 2. “It starts, always, with us defensively,” said Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff. “When you go back and watch the film of that (game), we weren’t ourselves defensively. The telling tale is typically when we play them, they go to the free-throw line a ton. “… We went 38 (times) but they went 19. So that means we weren’t playing our brand of basketball, being physical, being handsy, being aggressive. That kind of sets the tone for us.” Offensively, the Pistons leaned on Cunningham, who scored 39 points, but got little other support — scoring their fewest points in nearly three months, since a loss to the Phoenix Suns on Jan. 29. Detroit will need more help from All-Star center Jalen Duren, who was held to just eight points and seven rebounds in Game 1. “They came out ready from the jump,” Duren said. “We didn’t really meet their intensity. They’ve been playing with their backs against the walls the last few weeks, so they were already kind of already rolling. I think we just got to do a better job meeting that intensity.” Duren said the Pistons remain confident despite the loss, which extended their home playoff losing streak to 11 games, the longest in NBA history. “We know the type of team we are,” Duren said. “We feel like we’re the better team. We know that we’ve just got to make adjustments and come out smarter, come out playing harder.” Orlando coach Jamahl Mosley said he has talked to his team about not becoming too overconfident coming off Sunday’s win. “It’s one game at a time,” Mosley said of his message to the team. “It’s the reality that, yeah, you did get the Game 1 win, but now you have to go and figure out how to get a Game 2 (win). There’s going to be, obviously, the positive talk about what you’ve done, and thinking there’s reasons to celebrate, but at the end of the day, it’s one game, and that’s the most important piece that we’ve talked about: just taking it one game at a time.” Banchero said the team has received the message, and he believes the key for the Magic is to play defense like they did in the opener. “I thought we were on a string, just communicating, talking out coverages,” Banchero said. “I think it’s just going to continue to take that, being aggressive, being the aggressors on defense and just not trying to give them much. Obviously they’re going to make shots, but just not trying to give them any free looks.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Pistons #seek #return #identity #Magic #Game #shockerApr 19, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (12) is defended by Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane (3) in the second half during the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

After an exceptional regular season, this wasn’t the start to the NBA playoffs that the Detroit Pistons envisioned.

Reeling from a stunning Game 1 loss in which only two players reached double figures, the Eastern Conference’s top seed heads into Game 2 Wednesday against the visiting Orlando Magic facing early pressure to reset the best-of-seven series.

The eighth-seeded Magic controlled the opener from the start, never trailing and leaning on a balanced offensive attack. Paolo Banchero led the way with 23 points while Franz Wagner scored 11 of his 19 in the fourth quarter to help close out the 112-101 win.

For Detroit, the issue wasn’t just the loss — it was how it happened. The Pistons never established their defensive identity and struggled to find consistent offense beyond star guard Cade Cunningham, two areas that will be central entering Game 2.

“It starts, always, with us defensively,” said Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff. “When you go back and watch the film of that (game), we weren’t ourselves defensively. The telling tale is typically when we play them, they go to the free-throw line a ton.

“… We went 38 (times) but they went 19. So that means we weren’t playing our brand of basketball, being physical, being handsy, being aggressive. That kind of sets the tone for us.”

Offensively, the Pistons leaned on Cunningham, who scored 39 points, but got little other support — scoring their fewest points in nearly three months, since a loss to the Phoenix Suns on Jan. 29. Detroit will need more help from All-Star center Jalen Duren, who was held to just eight points and seven rebounds in Game 1.


“They came out ready from the jump,” Duren said. “We didn’t really meet their intensity. They’ve been playing with their backs against the walls the last few weeks, so they were already kind of already rolling. I think we just got to do a better job meeting that intensity.”

Duren said the Pistons remain confident despite the loss, which extended their home playoff losing streak to 11 games, the longest in NBA history.

“We know the type of team we are,” Duren said. “We feel like we’re the better team. We know that we’ve just got to make adjustments and come out smarter, come out playing harder.”

Orlando coach Jamahl Mosley said he has talked to his team about not becoming too overconfident coming off Sunday’s win.

“It’s one game at a time,” Mosley said of his message to the team. “It’s the reality that, yeah, you did get the Game 1 win, but now you have to go and figure out how to get a Game 2 (win). There’s going to be, obviously, the positive talk about what you’ve done, and thinking there’s reasons to celebrate, but at the end of the day, it’s one game, and that’s the most important piece that we’ve talked about: just taking it one game at a time.”

Banchero said the team has received the message, and he believes the key for the Magic is to play defense like they did in the opener.

“I thought we were on a string, just communicating, talking out coverages,” Banchero said. “I think it’s just going to continue to take that, being aggressive, being the aggressors on defense and just not trying to give them much. Obviously they’re going to make shots, but just not trying to give them any free looks.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Pistons #seek #return #identity #Magic #Game #shocker">Deadspin | Pistons seek return to identity vs. Magic after Game 1 shocker Apr 19, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (12) is defended by Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane (3) in the second half during the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images After an exceptional regular season, this wasn’t the start to the NBA playoffs that the Detroit Pistons envisioned. Reeling from a stunning Game 1 loss in which only two players reached double figures, the Eastern Conference’s top seed heads into Game 2 Wednesday against the visiting Orlando Magic facing early pressure to reset the best-of-seven series. The eighth-seeded Magic controlled the opener from the start, never trailing and leaning on a balanced offensive attack. Paolo Banchero led the way with 23 points while Franz Wagner scored 11 of his 19 in the fourth quarter to help close out the 112-101 win. For Detroit, the issue wasn’t just the loss — it was how it happened. The Pistons never established their defensive identity and struggled to find consistent offense beyond star guard Cade Cunningham, two areas that will be central entering Game 2. “It starts, always, with us defensively,” said Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff. “When you go back and watch the film of that (game), we weren’t ourselves defensively. The telling tale is typically when we play them, they go to the free-throw line a ton. “… We went 38 (times) but they went 19. So that means we weren’t playing our brand of basketball, being physical, being handsy, being aggressive. That kind of sets the tone for us.” Offensively, the Pistons leaned on Cunningham, who scored 39 points, but got little other support — scoring their fewest points in nearly three months, since a loss to the Phoenix Suns on Jan. 29. Detroit will need more help from All-Star center Jalen Duren, who was held to just eight points and seven rebounds in Game 1. “They came out ready from the jump,” Duren said. “We didn’t really meet their intensity. They’ve been playing with their backs against the walls the last few weeks, so they were already kind of already rolling. I think we just got to do a better job meeting that intensity.” Duren said the Pistons remain confident despite the loss, which extended their home playoff losing streak to 11 games, the longest in NBA history. “We know the type of team we are,” Duren said. “We feel like we’re the better team. We know that we’ve just got to make adjustments and come out smarter, come out playing harder.” Orlando coach Jamahl Mosley said he has talked to his team about not becoming too overconfident coming off Sunday’s win. “It’s one game at a time,” Mosley said of his message to the team. “It’s the reality that, yeah, you did get the Game 1 win, but now you have to go and figure out how to get a Game 2 (win). There’s going to be, obviously, the positive talk about what you’ve done, and thinking there’s reasons to celebrate, but at the end of the day, it’s one game, and that’s the most important piece that we’ve talked about: just taking it one game at a time.” Banchero said the team has received the message, and he believes the key for the Magic is to play defense like they did in the opener. “I thought we were on a string, just communicating, talking out coverages,” Banchero said. “I think it’s just going to continue to take that, being aggressive, being the aggressors on defense and just not trying to give them much. Obviously they’re going to make shots, but just not trying to give them any free looks.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Pistons #seek #return #identity #Magic #Game #shocker

Deadspin | Lynx star Napheesa Collier (ankle) targets June for on-court work Mar 2, 2026; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Unrivaled Co-founder Napheesa Collier at Barclay’s Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images The Minnesota Lynx said Tuesday that star forward Napheesa Collier’s rehab from left ankle surgery is “progressing as expected,” and she could resume on-court activities in early June. The team plans to release updates on Collier’s progress when available. The timeline means Collier will miss, at minimum, the first month of the WNBA season, which begins May 10 for the Lynx. Collier underwent surgery on her ankle on March 24 after sustaining a severe injury during the 2025 playoffs. Per reports at the time, she sustained a Grade 2 tear of three ligaments in the ankle and a muscle in her left shin on a collision during Game 3 of the playoff semifinal series vs. Phoenix. Collier, 29, averaged a career-high 22.9 points and shot 40.3% from 3-point range to go with 7.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.5 blocks per game last year. The back-to-back WNBA Most Valuable Player runner-up, Collier is a five-time All-Star and earned MVP honors in the 2024 Commissioner’s Cup final and the 2025 All-Star Game. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Lynx #star #Napheesa #Collier #ankle #targets #June #oncourt #workMar 2, 2026; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Unrivaled Co-founder Napheesa Collier at Barclay’s Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Lynx said Tuesday that star forward Napheesa Collier’s rehab from left ankle surgery is “progressing as expected,” and she could resume on-court activities in early June.

The team plans to release updates on Collier’s progress when available.


The timeline means Collier will miss, at minimum, the first month of the WNBA season, which begins May 10 for the Lynx.

Collier underwent surgery on her ankle on March 24 after sustaining a severe injury during the 2025 playoffs. Per reports at the time, she sustained a Grade 2 tear of three ligaments in the ankle and a muscle in her left shin on a collision during Game 3 of the playoff semifinal series vs. Phoenix.

Collier, 29, averaged a career-high 22.9 points and shot 40.3% from 3-point range to go with 7.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.5 blocks per game last year. The back-to-back WNBA Most Valuable Player runner-up, Collier is a five-time All-Star and earned MVP honors in the 2024 Commissioner’s Cup final and the 2025 All-Star Game.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Lynx #star #Napheesa #Collier #ankle #targets #June #oncourt #work">Deadspin | Lynx star Napheesa Collier (ankle) targets June for on-court work Mar 2, 2026; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Unrivaled Co-founder Napheesa Collier at Barclay’s Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images The Minnesota Lynx said Tuesday that star forward Napheesa Collier’s rehab from left ankle surgery is “progressing as expected,” and she could resume on-court activities in early June. The team plans to release updates on Collier’s progress when available. The timeline means Collier will miss, at minimum, the first month of the WNBA season, which begins May 10 for the Lynx. Collier underwent surgery on her ankle on March 24 after sustaining a severe injury during the 2025 playoffs. Per reports at the time, she sustained a Grade 2 tear of three ligaments in the ankle and a muscle in her left shin on a collision during Game 3 of the playoff semifinal series vs. Phoenix. Collier, 29, averaged a career-high 22.9 points and shot 40.3% from 3-point range to go with 7.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.5 blocks per game last year. The back-to-back WNBA Most Valuable Player runner-up, Collier is a five-time All-Star and earned MVP honors in the 2024 Commissioner’s Cup final and the 2025 All-Star Game. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Lynx #star #Napheesa #Collier #ankle #targets #June #oncourt #work

Deadspin | Flyers return home in search of 3-0 lead over Penguins Apr 20, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen (55) knocks the helmet of Pittsburgh Penguins center Blake Lizotte (46) off during the third period in game two of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images In a first-round playoff series between Pennsylvania rivals, the Philadelphia Flyers threw the first punch — and the second. Holding a 2-0 edge in the best-of-seven series, the Flyers look to take a commanding lead on the Pittsburgh Penguins when the teams reconvene for Game 3 Wednesday in Philadelphia. After recording a 3-2 victory in Game 1 over the weekend, Philadelphia blanked Pittsburgh 3-0 on Monday behind 27 saves from Dan Vladar. Vladar’s first shutout since joining the Flyers last summer was also his first career postseason blanking. “He has been like that all year for us,” Flyers coach Rick Tocchet said. “Guys enjoy playing for him. He comes by the bench, he’s talking to the players. A lot of guys aren’t used to goalies talking that much, but that’s the way Vladdy is. I love his personality. He’s a fun guy to coach.” Porter Martone is certainly having fun these days, as well. The Philadelphia winger is the sixth-youngest player in NHL history to score a goal in each of his first two career playoff games. In fact, both of the 19-year-old’s tallies in this series have turned out to be game-winners. “I think I’ve got to give a lot of credit to the guys in this room,” Martone said. “They’ve taught me a lot, not just on the hockey side, but the life side. I’ve said this before, but I think I made the jump (from college) because I thought I was ready and I thought I could help this team.” Meanwhile, Pittsburgh finds itself searching for answers after a pair of lethargic performances. “There should be frustration. (We) should be frustrated,” Penguins coach Dan Muse said. “We just lost two games at home. And so, with frustration comes how are you going to respond? How are we going to respond? And so, I would hope every single guy in that room, the entire staff, nobody’s happy right now. Nobody should be.” Evgeni Malkin had a goal and an assist in the series opener, but Sidney Crosby has yet to register a point in the series. The Penguins have lost five straight games, including the final three in the regular season. “I think we’ve been in some tough spots all year,” Crosby said. “We’ve always responded really well to adversity. It seems like it’s brought out the best in all of us. I think that getting on the road and having a situation like this hopefully brings out the best in us again here.” Stuart Skinner has been strong in net for the Penguins. He turned aside 21 shots in Monday’s defeat, including several terrific saves that helped keep his team within striking distance. The Flyers’ goals in Game 2 came on Martone’s tally following a blocked shot that caromed right to him, Garnet Hathaway’s finish off a terrific individual effort by Owen Tippett while short-handed, and a late empty-net goal by Luke Glendening. “Obviously coming in here, to a building like this, and taking the first two games — it’s huge,” said Tippett, who added “we’re staying even-keel. We’re excited to get home to our fans, back home in our rink, but we can’t get too high, can’t get too low.” The Penguins acknowledge that they need to improve a power play that is 0-for-7 in the series, including an 0-for-5 effort in Game 2. “They’re doing a good job, and we’re not,” said Pittsburgh defenseman Erik Karlsson. “That’s the bottom line.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Flyers #return #home #search #lead #PenguinsApr 20, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen (55) knocks the helmet of Pittsburgh Penguins center Blake Lizotte (46) off during the third period in game two of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

In a first-round playoff series between Pennsylvania rivals, the Philadelphia Flyers threw the first punch — and the second.

Holding a 2-0 edge in the best-of-seven series, the Flyers look to take a commanding lead on the Pittsburgh Penguins when the teams reconvene for Game 3 Wednesday in Philadelphia.

After recording a 3-2 victory in Game 1 over the weekend, Philadelphia blanked Pittsburgh 3-0 on Monday behind 27 saves from Dan Vladar. Vladar’s first shutout since joining the Flyers last summer was also his first career postseason blanking.

“He has been like that all year for us,” Flyers coach Rick Tocchet said. “Guys enjoy playing for him. He comes by the bench, he’s talking to the players. A lot of guys aren’t used to goalies talking that much, but that’s the way Vladdy is. I love his personality. He’s a fun guy to coach.”

Porter Martone is certainly having fun these days, as well. The Philadelphia winger is the sixth-youngest player in NHL history to score a goal in each of his first two career playoff games. In fact, both of the 19-year-old’s tallies in this series have turned out to be game-winners.

“I think I’ve got to give a lot of credit to the guys in this room,” Martone said. “They’ve taught me a lot, not just on the hockey side, but the life side. I’ve said this before, but I think I made the jump (from college) because I thought I was ready and I thought I could help this team.”

Meanwhile, Pittsburgh finds itself searching for answers after a pair of lethargic performances.


“There should be frustration. (We) should be frustrated,” Penguins coach Dan Muse said. “We just lost two games at home. And so, with frustration comes how are you going to respond? How are we going to respond? And so, I would hope every single guy in that room, the entire staff, nobody’s happy right now. Nobody should be.”

Evgeni Malkin had a goal and an assist in the series opener, but Sidney Crosby has yet to register a point in the series. The Penguins have lost five straight games, including the final three in the regular season.

“I think we’ve been in some tough spots all year,” Crosby said. “We’ve always responded really well to adversity. It seems like it’s brought out the best in all of us. I think that getting on the road and having a situation like this hopefully brings out the best in us again here.”

Stuart Skinner has been strong in net for the Penguins. He turned aside 21 shots in Monday’s defeat, including several terrific saves that helped keep his team within striking distance.

The Flyers’ goals in Game 2 came on Martone’s tally following a blocked shot that caromed right to him, Garnet Hathaway’s finish off a terrific individual effort by Owen Tippett while short-handed, and a late empty-net goal by Luke Glendening.

“Obviously coming in here, to a building like this, and taking the first two games — it’s huge,” said Tippett, who added “we’re staying even-keel. We’re excited to get home to our fans, back home in our rink, but we can’t get too high, can’t get too low.”

The Penguins acknowledge that they need to improve a power play that is 0-for-7 in the series, including an 0-for-5 effort in Game 2.

“They’re doing a good job, and we’re not,” said Pittsburgh defenseman Erik Karlsson. “That’s the bottom line.”


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Flyers #return #home #search #lead #Penguins">Deadspin | Flyers return home in search of 3-0 lead over Penguins Apr 20, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen (55) knocks the helmet of Pittsburgh Penguins center Blake Lizotte (46) off during the third period in game two of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images In a first-round playoff series between Pennsylvania rivals, the Philadelphia Flyers threw the first punch — and the second. Holding a 2-0 edge in the best-of-seven series, the Flyers look to take a commanding lead on the Pittsburgh Penguins when the teams reconvene for Game 3 Wednesday in Philadelphia. After recording a 3-2 victory in Game 1 over the weekend, Philadelphia blanked Pittsburgh 3-0 on Monday behind 27 saves from Dan Vladar. Vladar’s first shutout since joining the Flyers last summer was also his first career postseason blanking. “He has been like that all year for us,” Flyers coach Rick Tocchet said. “Guys enjoy playing for him. He comes by the bench, he’s talking to the players. A lot of guys aren’t used to goalies talking that much, but that’s the way Vladdy is. I love his personality. He’s a fun guy to coach.” Porter Martone is certainly having fun these days, as well. The Philadelphia winger is the sixth-youngest player in NHL history to score a goal in each of his first two career playoff games. In fact, both of the 19-year-old’s tallies in this series have turned out to be game-winners. “I think I’ve got to give a lot of credit to the guys in this room,” Martone said. “They’ve taught me a lot, not just on the hockey side, but the life side. I’ve said this before, but I think I made the jump (from college) because I thought I was ready and I thought I could help this team.” Meanwhile, Pittsburgh finds itself searching for answers after a pair of lethargic performances. “There should be frustration. (We) should be frustrated,” Penguins coach Dan Muse said. “We just lost two games at home. And so, with frustration comes how are you going to respond? How are we going to respond? And so, I would hope every single guy in that room, the entire staff, nobody’s happy right now. Nobody should be.” Evgeni Malkin had a goal and an assist in the series opener, but Sidney Crosby has yet to register a point in the series. The Penguins have lost five straight games, including the final three in the regular season. “I think we’ve been in some tough spots all year,” Crosby said. “We’ve always responded really well to adversity. It seems like it’s brought out the best in all of us. I think that getting on the road and having a situation like this hopefully brings out the best in us again here.” Stuart Skinner has been strong in net for the Penguins. He turned aside 21 shots in Monday’s defeat, including several terrific saves that helped keep his team within striking distance. The Flyers’ goals in Game 2 came on Martone’s tally following a blocked shot that caromed right to him, Garnet Hathaway’s finish off a terrific individual effort by Owen Tippett while short-handed, and a late empty-net goal by Luke Glendening. “Obviously coming in here, to a building like this, and taking the first two games — it’s huge,” said Tippett, who added “we’re staying even-keel. We’re excited to get home to our fans, back home in our rink, but we can’t get too high, can’t get too low.” The Penguins acknowledge that they need to improve a power play that is 0-for-7 in the series, including an 0-for-5 effort in Game 2. “They’re doing a good job, and we’re not,” said Pittsburgh defenseman Erik Karlsson. “That’s the bottom line.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Flyers #return #home #search #lead #Penguins

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