Penguins Announce Goalie Decision Before Must-Win Game 4 vs. Flyers
The Pittsburgh Penguins enter Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs with no margin for error after dropping the first three games of their opening-round series against the Philadelphia Flyers.
Pittsburgh has struggled to match the Flyers' offense through the first half of the series, scoring four goals to Philadelphia's 11, and defensive issues are making it hard for the Penguins to keep up with that pace.
The Penguins started Game 3 on the right foot by taking an early lead and not surrendering it until Philadelphia went 2-1 up midway through the second period. After that, however, Pittsburgh allowed three more goals while scoring just one.
With the season on the line, Penguins head coach Dan Muse has opted to make the boldest possible call regarding his lineup heading into Game 4.
The Penguins announced on Saturday morning that Muse has chosen goalie Arturs Silovs to start in net, replacing Stuart Skinner after the first three games.
Per ESPN's Emily Kaplan, Muse said he is "just looking for a change" following the team's start to the series. Skinner opened the postseason as the Penguins' starter but allowed nine goals (the other two came on empty-net situations) across the first three games.
The now-benched goalie finished the first three games with a .873 save percentage and 3.08 goals-allowed on average.
Coach Muse confirms Arturs Silovs will start in Game 4.
— x - Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) April 25, 2026
Silovs, meanwhile, appeared in 39 games posting a 19-12-8 record with a 3.07 goals-against average and a .887 save percentage.
The decision marks a shift from Muse's initial call, when he leaned on Skinner's experience entering the series. Muse, however, had left the door open for possible changes before the start of the playoffs.
Game 4 is set for Saturday night in Philadelphia, with Pittsburgh needing a win to keep its season alive, and puck-drop set for 8 p.m. ET.
Related: Evgeni Malkin Makes Admission on His Penguins Future Before Game 4
Related: Senators' Brady Tkachuk Sends 'Frustrating' Message After Game 3 Loss
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This story was originally published April 25, 2026 at 1:59 PM.