Gretzky Cautions Against Dismissing Penguins' Rally
Wayne Gretzky cautioned against counting out Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins in their first-round Stanley Cup playoff series against the Philadelphia Flyers. The Penguins trail 3-2 after dropping the first three games but have forced a Game 6 on Wednesday night in Philadelphia. Gretzky praised the series as fast, physical and skillful during an appearance on the "Game Notes" podcast.
Pittsburgh coach Dan Muse switched goaltenders after the first three games, pulling Stuart Skinner and starting Arturs Silovs in Game 4. The Latvian goaltender has stabilized the Penguins' net while the team won Games 4 and 5 at home. Gretzky highlighted the Penguins' firepower with Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, noting the change has energized the squad.
Crosby, the Penguins' captain and three-time Stanley Cup champion, recorded points in each of the last three games, including his first playoff goal since 2022 in Game 4 and two assists in the 3-2 Game 5 victory on April 27, 2026, at PPG Paints Arena. Gretzky also commended the young Flyers for their energy and goaltending, describing them as one of the hardest teams to face late in the regular season.
A win in Game 6 sends the series back to Pittsburgh for a decisive Game 7. Gretzky emphasized Crosby's leadership in shifting momentum, stressing the need to win one game at a time despite the road challenge.
