The game is played indoors at loanDepot park, so weather will not affect conditions. However, Miami’s outdoor temperature around gametime is expected to be 75–84°F with light 4 mph winds.
Injury Report
Milwaukee Brewers
Kyle Harrison — knee/wrist issue, expected to start next week.
Jackson Chourio — recovering from hamate surgery, taking swings again.
Miami Marlins
Kyle Stowers — hamstring, playing rehab games.
Team Records & Recent Form
Milwaukee Brewers (11–8)
Last 5: W7‑5, W2‑1, W2‑1, L9‑7, L8‑6
Season Stats:
5.2 runs/game
.238 AVG
18 HR
3.97 ERA
.242 opponent AVG
Miami Marlins (9–11)
Last 5: L7‑5, L6‑3, L6‑5, W10‑4, L8‑2
Season Stats:
4.7 runs/game
.257 AVG
15 HR
4.17 ERA
.222 opponent AVG
Probable Pitching Matchup
MIL — Brandon Woodruff (RHP)
Record: 1–0
ERA: 4.32
Career: 887 strikeouts in 761 innings pitched.
Power pitcher with elite strikeout ability; Brewers’ ace‑level arm returning to form.
MIA — Sandy Alcantara (RHP)
Record: 2–1
ERA: 2.67
Team leader in wins and innings.
Former Cy Young winner; heavy sinker, elite stamina.
Key Player Matchups
Milwaukee Brewers
William Contreras: .309 AVG — team batting leader.
Gary Sánchez: 5 HR — top power threat.
Garrett Mitchell: 16 RBI — run‑production leader.
Miami Marlins
Otto Lopez: .347 AVG, 3‑for‑5 with HR & triple on 4/17.
Liam Hicks: 18 RBI — team RBI leader.
Osiris Lopez: HR + 2 RBI in last game; emerging power.
Series History & Context
Brewers won 7–5 on April 17.
Brewers have won three straight entering this matchup.
Marlins have lost four of their last five.
Betting Trends
Brewers: 5.2 runs/game, strong bullpen (66.7% save rate).
Marlins: Better batting average (.257) but inconsistent pitching.
Brewers won previous matchup and have momentum.
Game Odds
Milwaukee Brewers 7.5
Miami Marlins – 112
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, April 17, 2026
Venue:PNC Park — Pittsburgh, PACoverage: ESPN Unlimited / MLB.TV
Weather Update
Temperature: 85°F at gametime
Wind: Light SE breeze (4 mph)
Conditions: Warm, hitter‑friendly environment
Injury Report
Tampa Bay Rays
Austin Vernon — 7‑Day IL
Ty Johnson — 7‑Day IL
John Rooney — 7‑Day IL
Logan Driscoll — 7‑Day IL
Garrett Cleavinger — 15‑Day IL
Pittsburgh Pirates
Anthony Solometo — 7‑Day IL
Jared Triolo — 10‑Day IL
Jared Jones — 60‑Day IL
Mike Clevinger — 7‑Day IL
Oddanier Mosqueda — 60‑Day IL
Team Records & Recent Form
Tampa Bay Rays (11–8)
Away Record: 7–6
Last 5: L, W, W, W, W
Team Stats:
5.1 runs/game
.264 AVG, .341 OBP, .394 SLG
91 runs, 165 hits, 16 HR
4.38 ERA, 1.24 WHIP
Pittsburgh Pirates (12–8)
Home Record: 7–4
Last 5: W, L, W, L, W
Team Stats:
5.0 runs/game
.255 AVG
22 HR
3.16 ERA, .218 opponent AVG
Probable Pitching Matchup
TB — Drew Rasmussen (RHP)
Record: 1–0
ERA: 1.13
WHIP: 0.56
IP: 16.0
K/BB: 17 K / 1 BB
HR Allowed: 2
Rasmussen has been dominant, allowing only 8 hits in 16 innings. His elite command and low WHIP make him a strong matchup against a power‑oriented Pirates lineup.
PIT — Paul Skenes (RHP)
Record: 3–1
ERA: 4.00
WHIP: 0.94
IP: 18.0
K/BB: 18 K / 7 BB
HR Allowed: 2
Skenes has electric stuff and a high strikeout ceiling, but his walk rate introduces volatility. Still, his 0.94 WHIP shows he limits hits exceptionally well.
Venue:Nationals Park — Washington, D.C.Broadcast: MLB.TV
Weather Update
Temperature: 84°F at gametime in Washington, D.C. Conditions: Warm, hitter‑friendly environment. (No precipitation or wind data provided.)
Injury Report
San Francisco Giants
Joel Peguero — 15‑Day IL (RP), return Apr 18
Sam Hentges — 15‑Day IL (RP), return Apr 21
Harrison Bader — 10‑Day IL (LF), return Apr 22
Parks Harber — 7‑Day IL (3B), return Apr 27
Jared Oliva — 10‑Day IL (OF), return Jun 1
Washington Nationals
Joan Adon — OUT (RP), Apr 18
Cole Henry — 15‑Day IL (RP), return Apr 28
Josiah Gray — 60‑Day IL (SP), return May 29
Ken Waldichuk — 60‑Day IL (RP), return Jun 1
Trevor Williams — 60‑Day IL (SP), return Jun 1
Team Records & Recent Form
San Francisco Giants (8–12)
Road Record: 5–5
Last 5: W 10–5, W 3–0, L 8–3, L 2–1, L 6–2
Team Stats:
.248 AVG, 68 R, 166 H, 12 HR
.293 OBP, .366 SLG
4.22 ERA, 1.34 WHIP
Opp BA: .238
Washington Nationals (9–11)
Home Record: 1–6
Last 5: L 10–5, W 8–7, L 2–0, W 5–4, L 16–5
Team Stats:
.261 AVG, 112 R, 183 H, 22 HR
.337 OBP, .412 SLG
6.12 ERA, 1.60 WHIP
Opp BA: .270
Probable Pitching Matchup
SF — Adrian Houser (RHP)
Record: 0–2
ERA: 5.06
WHIP: 1.56
IP: 16.0
K/BB: 10 K / 5 BB
HR Allowed: 1
Houser has struggled with traffic on the bases and inconsistent command. His 1.56 WHIP suggests potential trouble against a Nationals lineup that hits well at home despite their record.
WSH — Cade Cavalli (RHP)
Record: 0–1
ERA: 4.60
WHIP: 1.72
IP: 15.2
K/BB: 13 K / 12 BB
HR Allowed: 0
Cavalli has shown strikeout ability but is walking too many hitters. His 0 HR allowed is encouraging, but his high WHIP indicates volatility.
Venue:Citizens Bank Park — Philadelphia, PABroadcast: FOX / MLB.TV
Weather Update
Temperature: 67°F at gametime (Philadelphia) Conditions: Mild spring weather; no adverse conditions expected. (No precipitation data provided.)
Injury Report
Atlanta Braves
Blake Burkhalter — 7‑Day IL (RP)
Sean Murphy — 10‑Day IL (C)
Spencer Strider — 15‑Day IL (SP)
Ha‑Seong Kim — 10‑Day IL (SS)
Hurston Waldrep — 15‑Day IL (SP)
Multiple long‑term IL arms (Young, Smith‑Shawver, Schwellenbach, Jimenez)
Philadelphia Phillies
Andrew Bechtold — 7‑Day IL (3B)
Michael Mercado — 7‑Day IL (RP)
Max Lazar — 15‑Day IL (RP)
Zack Wheeler — 15‑Day IL (SP)
Zach Pop — 15‑Day IL (RP)
Team Records & Recent Form
Atlanta Braves (13–7)
Road Record: 5–3
Last 5: W, W, W, L, W
Last 10: 7–3, .299 AVG, 3.74 ERA, +26 run differential
Strengths:
#1 ERA in MLB (2.93) entering the matchup (per Doc’s Sports)
Deep lineup with power from Matt Olson & Drake Baldwin
Weaknesses:
Several key injuries to rotation & bullpen
Philadelphia Phillies (8–11)
Home Record: 5–8
Last 5: L, L, L, W, L
Last 10: 3–7, .227 AVG, 5.83 ERA, –28 run differential
Strengths:
Power from Kyle Schwarber
Bryce Harper heating up (15‑for‑34 last 10 games)
Weaknesses:
Pitching staff struggling (5.14 ERA)
Inconsistent offense
Pitching Matchup
ATL — Chris Sale (LHP)
Record: 3–1
ERA: 3.27
WHIP: 1.05
K/BB: 22 K / 6 BB
HR Allowed: 4
Sale has been sharp early, limiting hits and generating strikeouts. His ability to neutralize left‑handed power (Schwarber, Harper) is a key factor.
PHI — Cristopher Sánchez (LHP)
Record: 2–1
ERA: 2.01
WHIP: 1.39
K/BB: 31 K / 7 BB
HR Allowed: 1
Sánchez has been excellent, allowing only one home run in 22.1 innings. His ground‑ball tendencies will be tested by Atlanta’s elite contact and power.
Key Player Matchups
Atlanta Braves
Matt Olson: 5 HR, .299 AVG, 15 RBI — elite power threat
Venue:Progressive Field — Cleveland, OhioTV: MLB.TV
Weather Outlook (Inference)
No weather data was provided in sourced material. Inference: Cleveland in mid‑April typically ranges 50–60°F, with potential for cool, breezy conditions. Weather may influence ball carry, but no official forecast was available.
Injury Report
Cleveland Guardians
Gabriel Arias — 10‑Day IL (hamstring)
Andrew Walters — 15‑Day IL (lat)
Baltimore Orioles
A long injury list, including:
Adley Rutschman — 10‑Day IL (ankle)
Jackson Holliday — 10‑Day IL (finger)
Ryan Mountcastle — 60‑Day IL (foot)
Heston Kjerstad — 10‑Day IL (hamstring)
Keegan Akin — 15‑Day IL (groin)
Andrew Kittredge — 15‑Day IL (shoulder)
Tyler O’Neill — 7‑Day IL (illness)
Zach Eflin — 60‑Day IL (elbow)
Jordan Westburg — 60‑Day IL (UCL)
Felix Bautista — 60‑Day IL (shoulder) …and others.
Team Records & Recent Form
Baltimore Orioles (10–10)
Road Record: 4–4
Last 10 Games: 6–4, 3.30 ERA, outscored opponents by 7 runs
Strengths:
Strong pitching (5th‑best ERA in AL at 3.81)
Power from Gunnar Henderson and Jeremiah Jackson
Weaknesses:
Injuries to key offensive players
Batting average over last 10 games: .232
Cleveland Guardians (11–10)
Home Record: 5–3
Last 10 Games: 5–5, .266 batting average, even run differential
Strengths:
Balanced offense with Angel Martinez and Steven Kwan
Strong starting pitching led by Gavin Williams
Weaknesses:
Inconsistent bullpen performance in recent games
Pitching Matchup
Baltimore — Dean Kremer (0–0, 3.60 ERA)
9 strikeouts, 1.20 WHIP in his first 2026 start
Solid command and swing‑and‑miss ability
Key: Must limit Cleveland’s left‑handed bats
Cleveland — Gavin Williams (2–1, 2.38 ERA)
29 strikeouts, 1.15 WHIP, allowed only 10 hits in 22.2 IP
Has not allowed more than 2 runs in any April start
Key: Dominant fastball/slider combo; tough matchup for a depleted Orioles lineup
Key Player Matchups
Orioles Hitters
Jeremiah Jackson: 5 HR, 17 RBI — Baltimore’s most dangerous bat right now
Gunnar Henderson: 3 HR in last 10 games; elite power potential
* The 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs begin today, igniting a two-month journey filled with upsets, sudden-death overtime, unsung heroes and star performances before one team is ultimately crowned as champion in June.
* A trio of Game 1s on the opening day of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs begin with the first-ever playoff series between Carolina-Ottawa, Central Division rivals facing off with multiple 40-goal scorers on either side in the Dallas-Minnesota series and the first “Battle of Pennsylvania” in eight years between Pittsburgh-Philadelphia.
* Teams that take a 1-0 lead in a best-of-seven own an all-time series record of 535-252 (.680), including a 10-5 (.667) mark in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs (6-2, .750 in 2025 R1).
2026 STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS START TONIGHT
Storylines are aplenty as a handful of stars are set to compete in the postseason for the first time, but the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs bracket features 11 of 16 teams looking to either hoist the Stanley Cup for the first time in their history or end a lengthy championship drought. Only one thing is guaranteed when the puck drops on Saturday: a new champion will be crowned in June.
PENGUINS AND FLYERS READY TO RENEW “BATTLE OF PENNSYLVANIA”
The iconic trio of SidneyCrosby, EvgeniMalkin and KrisLetang begin their quest for a fourth Stanley Cup championship and will do so against a familiar foe when SeanCouturier, TravisKonecny and TrevorZegras visit PPG Paints Arena for Game 1 of their First Round series – the eighth rendition of the “Battle of Pennsylvania” and first since the 2018 First Round. The winner of the previous seven all-time series between the rivals has gone on to reach the Stanley Cup Final on three occasions.
* PorterMartone, the sixth-overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, has co-led the Flyers in goals since making his League debut on March 31 (4-6—10) and is one of 13 players on Philadelphia’s active roster that could appear in their first-ever outing in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. He can become the fifth teenager in franchise history to score a playoff goal alongside DainiusZubrus (5 in 24 GP), Couturier (3 in 11 GP), NolanPatrick (1 in 6 GP) and PeterZezel (1 in 5 GP).
40-GOAL SCORERS ON FULL DISPLAY IN STARS-WILD SHOWDOWN
The NHL’s first 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs matchup to be confirmed will finally come to fruition when a pair of 40-goal teammates go head-to-head as JasonRobertson (45), WyattJohnston (45) and the Stars host KirillKaprizov (45), MattBoldy (42) and the Wild for Game 1 of their First Round series at American Airlines Center.
* Johnston (18-14—32 in 56 GP), with a double-digit point total in each of the past two postseasons, sits two goals shy of becoming the 13th player in NHL history with 20 career playoff goals before age 23 – a list that includes SidneyCrosby (30), EvgeniMalkin (24), NikitaKucherov (22) and PatrickKane (20). Overall, Johnston can also join MikeModano (3) and DennisMaruk (3 w/ MNS) as the third player in franchise history to register 10 or more points in three consecutive postseasons.
* Kaprizov (15-6—21 in 25 GP) and the Wild begin their pursuit of the franchise’s first playoff series win since the 2015 First Round, as the forward sits two goals shy of overtaking ZachParise (16 in 44 GP) for the most playoff goals in franchise history. In a regular-season campaign that featured Kaprizov also become Minnesota’s all-time leader in regular season goals, he can become the fourth active player to sit atop a franchise’s all-time goals list in both the regular season and playoffs (NSH: FilipForsberg, VGK: JonathanMarchessault, WSH: AlexOvechkin & WPG/ATL: MarkScheifele).
HURRICANES AND SENATORS READY FOR FIRST-EVER PLAYOFF CLASH
SebastianAho and the top-seeded Hurricanes open the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Lenovo Center when BradyTkachuk and the Senators visit Raleigh for Game 1 of the first-ever postseason meeting between the clubs – the 288th unique playoff series between NHL franchises (1 of 2 in 2026 R1). Carolina owns an all-time record of 8-7 in its first series against a franchise, while Ottawa is 7-5.
* Aho, among three others set to tie RonFrancis (8) for the most career years in the playoffs in franchise history, has been a staple of postseason point production for a Hurricanes team that leads all clubs in home wins since first debuting in the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2019. Aho is already the first player in NHL history to register 10-plus points in each of his first seven postseasons and can become the fifth to record eight consecutive at any point in their career: Wayne Gretzky (11 from 1981-91), Mark Messier (10 from 1983-92), Brad Marchand (8 from 2018-25) and Bernie Geoffrion (8 from 1953-60).
* Tkachuk (4-3—7 in 6 GP) approaches his 10th career playoff game in a postseason where the Senators eye their first series win since the 2017 Second Round. The Ottawa captain, with an opportunity to register the franchise’s most goals through their first 10 career playoff games (6), has already tied his father, Keith (4-0—4 in 10 GP) in goals through the benchmark outing and outproduced his brother, Matthew (2-1—3 in 10 GP).
LOOKING BACK AT THE FIRST ROUND SINCE 2014
Here are some of the NHL’s top performers in the First Round under the Wild Card format (since 2014):
Goals 8 – JakeGuentzel (2022 R1 vs. NYR)
7 – NathanMacKinnon (2025 R1 vs. DAL)
– ZachHyman (2024 R1 vs. LAK)
– ValeriNichushkin (2024 R1 vs. WPG)
– MikkoRantanen (2023 R1 vs. SEA)
– LeonDraisaitl (2023 R1 vs. LAK)
– EvanderKane (2022 R1 vs. LAK)
– KirilKaprizov (2022 R1 vs. STL)
Assists
11 – ConnorMcDavid (2024 R1 vs. LAK)
10 – ConnorMcDavid (2022 R1 vs. LAK) 9 – ConnorMcDavid (2025 R1 vs. LAK)
– MitchMarner (2023 R1 vs. TBL)
– JaccobSlavin (2019 R1 vs. WSH)
– ErikKarlsson (2019 R1 vs. VGK)
– EvgeniMalkin (2017 R1 vs. CBJ)
Points
14 – ConnorMcDavid (2022 R1 vs. LAK)
13 – DavidPastrnak (2018 R1 vs. TOR)
– SidneyCrosby (2018 R1 vs. PHI)
– JakeGuentzel (2018 R1 vs. PHI)
Points by Rookies
10 – NathanMacKinnon (2014 R1 vs. MIN)
7 – DenisGurianov (2020 R1 vs. CGY)
– JakeDeBrusk (2018 R1 vs. TOR)
– ArtemiPanarin (2016 R1 vs. STL)
Shutouts
Ten different goaltenders have posted multiple shutouts in the First Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs since 2014 (last: AkiraSchmid, 2 SO in 2023 R1 vs. NYR).
Faceoff is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET Venue: PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, PA Broadcast: ESPN, NBC Sports Philadelphia, SportsNet Pittsburgh, TVA Sports
The Battle of Pennsylvania returns to the playoffs for the first time since 2018 in this heated Eastern Conference first-round series. Pittsburgh earns home-ice advantage via the regulation-wins tiebreaker after both teams finished with identical 98-point campaigns. The Penguins bring veteran star power and offensive depth into a building that will be electric, while the Flyers counter with youth, defensive structure, and momentum from a late-season surge. Expect physical, emotional hockey with playoff intensity from puck drop.
Team Records and Recent Form
Pittsburgh Penguins (41-25-16): Finished with one of the league’s top offenses (3.54 goals per game, 3rd overall) and strong special teams. They bounced back from a three-year playoff drought with depth scoring and veteran leadership. Recent form included a solid close but dropped their final three regular-season games; however, they went 7-3-0 in key late stretches and showed resilience at home (20-13-8).
Philadelphia Flyers (43-27-12): Posted their best point total and win count since 2017-18, clinching with a shootout victory on April 13. They rode an 18-7-0 surge in their final 25 games, fueled by young talent and improved 5-on-5 play (outscored opponents 161-149 overall). Road record was competitive (23-14-4 in some splits), and they ranked top-10 in blocks/hits while allowing just 2.19 xGA/60 at 5-on-5.
Injury Report
Philadelphia Flyers:
Nikita Grebenkin (RW): Out (upper body) – expected return April 22.
Rodrigo Abols (C): IR (lower body).
Owen Tippett (RW): Day-to-Day.
Christian Dvorak (C): Day-to-Day. Key contributors Tyson Foerster (returned April 2 from arm surgery) and Rasmus Ristolainen (returned mid-season from triceps surgery) are available and expected to play. Core young pieces (Michkov, Zegras, Martone) are healthy.
Pittsburgh Penguins:
Filip Hallander: Out (blood clot).
Blake Lizotte (F): Out (upper body).
Connor Dewar (F): Out (lower body).
Peyton Kettles (D): Out (long-term). Veterans Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Erik Karlsson are fully healthy and playoff-ready. Goaltending tandem (Stuart Skinner / Arturs Silovs) has no reported concerns.
Depth forwards will be tested on both sides, but Pittsburgh’s blue-line mobility remains intact.
Key Player Matchups
Sidney Crosby / Evgeni Malkin (PIT) vs. Flyers young defense / shutdown lines: Crosby (74 points in 68 games) owns this rivalry historically and thrives in playoffs. Flyers will deploy physical checking and length to disrupt the veterans.
Matvei Michkov / Trevor Zegras / Porter Martone (PHI) vs. Penguins shutdown D / goaltending: Flyers’ young core (Michkov leading the charge in his first playoffs) brings speed and skill. Pittsburgh’s depth (including Anthony Mantha’s career year with 33 goals) must contain them at 5-on-5.
Goaltending: Dan Vladar (PHI) vs. Stuart Skinner / Arturs Silovs (PIT): Vladar was arguably Philly’s MVP with stellar numbers. Pittsburgh’s tandem (Skinner acquired mid-season) provides stability but faces a tough test against Flyers’ stingy defense.
Secondary / Special Teams: Tyson Foerster (returned strong) and Owen Tippett (if healthy) vs. Pittsburgh’s potent power play; Flyers’ penalty kill (22nd) will be a focal point.
The series pits Pittsburgh’s experience and scoring depth against Philadelphia’s structure, youth, and physical forecheck.
Series History
Playoffs: 8th meeting overall. Flyers lead all-time series 4-3, but Penguins have won 3 of the last 4 (including 2018 in six games) during the Crosby era.
2025-26 regular season: Split 2-2-0 (Penguins 2-0-2 in points; games featured high emotion and varied outcomes).
All-time rivalry: Deep history with chippy, high-stakes games—familiarity will amplify intensity.
Betting Trends
Penguins are series favorites (-170 range) due to home-ice and offense. Flyers have covered as underdogs recently and showed value in the season series. Overs have hit consistently in recent Battle of Pennsylvania games; both teams play physical, high-event hockey in playoffs. Pittsburgh excels at home but dropped late regular-season games.
Game Odds
Philadelphia Flyers 6.5
Pittsburgh Penguins – 148
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, April 17, 2026
