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The historic rivalry between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers is captured in a cubist, geometric interpretation of a playoff hockey game.Today in Pittsburgh
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and ESPN personality Pat McAfee have placed a friendly wager on the upcoming Stanley Cup Playoff series between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers. If the Flyers win, McAfee will have to wear a suit on his ESPN show, and if the Penguins win, Shapiro will have to wear a tank top to work for a day.
Why it matters
The Penguins-Flyers rivalry is one of the most intense in the NHL, and the two teams meeting in the playoffs adds extra excitement and drama. The bet between McAfee and Shapiro, both prominent figures in Pennsylvania, further stokes the flames of this historic matchup.
The details
The Penguins and Flyers will face off in the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs after both teams returned to the postseason following a few years away. During an appearance on McAfee’s show, Governor Shapiro admitted to being a Flyers fan, prompting McAfee to propose the friendly wager. The terms of the bet are that if the Flyers win, McAfee will have to wear a suit on his ESPN show, and if the Penguins win, Shapiro will have to wear a tank top to work for a day.
The Stanley Cup Playoffs are scheduled to start this weekend in Pittsburgh, but the dates and times for the Penguins-Flyers series have not yet been announced.
The players
Pat McAfee
An ESPN personality and Pittsburgh native.
Josh Shapiro
The Governor of Pennsylvania and a Philadelphia native.
Pittsburgh Penguins
A professional ice hockey team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Philadelphia Flyers
A professional ice hockey team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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What they’re saying
“I’m excited for the Flyers and Pens, but I’m a Flyers fan. I’m a Philly sports fan, I’m honest about it.”
— Josh Shapiro, Governor of Pennsylvania
“Deal. But I’m not doing what you did with Aaron Donald, where you just tore off your shirt, I’m not doing that.”
— Josh Shapiro, Governor of Pennsylvania
“If Aaron Donald shows up, you’re going to have to play the part, pal.”
— Pat McAfee, ESPN Personality
What’s next
The dates and times for the Penguins-Flyers playoff series have not yet been announced, but the Stanley Cup Playoffs are scheduled to start this weekend in Pittsburgh.
The takeaway
The Penguins-Flyers rivalry is one of the most intense in the NHL, and the bet between prominent Pennsylvania figures Pat McAfee and Governor Josh Shapiro adds an extra layer of excitement and drama to this historic matchup.