1997 Eastern Conference Final Game 7 vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
The Battle of Pennsylvania: a rivalry born in 1967, defined by playoff clashes and Pennsylvania pride.
The Flyers–Penguins rivalry, also known as the Battle of Pennsylvania, is a National Hockey League (NHL) rivalry between the Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins. Both teams compete in the Metropolitan Division of the Eastern Conference. The rivalry began in 1967, when teams were introduced into the NHL's "Next Six" expansion wave.
Quick Facts
- Series result
- Flyers won 4-1
- Round
- Eastern Conference Final, 1997 Playoffs
- Flyers core
- Eric Lindros
- John LeClair
- Rod Brind'Amour
- Ron Hextall (G)
- Penguins core
- Mario Lemieux
- Jaromir Jagr
- Ron Francis
- Tom Barrasso (G)
- Penguins season outcome
- Lost in Eastern Conference Final to Flyers
Lore & Background
The rivalry exists due to divisional alignment and geographic location, as both teams play in the state of Pennsylvania. The Flyers and Penguins met in the Stanley Cup playoffs four times in 11 years from 2008 to 2018, strengthening the rivalry. The first meeting occurred on October 19, 1967, at the Philadelphia Spectrum, a 1–0 Flyers win. The Penguins had a 42-game winless streak at the Spectrum from 1974 to 1989. The rivalry intensified with the arrival of Mario Lemieux in Pittsburgh and Eric Lindros in Philadelphia. The teams met in the 1997 Eastern Conference quarterfinals, which the Flyers won in five games. Lemieux subsequently retired for the first time at the end of that series.
Reader's Guide
The 1997 Eastern Conference quarterfinals between the Flyers and Penguins was won by the Flyers in five games. After game five, Lemieux skated around the ice and received a standing ovation from the Philadelphia crowd.
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