Flyers-Penguins news: Cam York at morning skate; Gritty to make playoff debut as series jumps to TNT; traffic may be a problem

Tonight’s Game 3 against the Pittsburgh Penguins is the first playoff hockey game in Philadelphia since 2018. While the wait is nearly over, 7 p.m. still feels like a long way away. So let’s pass the time. How many players who have played for both the Flyers and Penguins do you think you can name?

First off, let’s set some ground rules. We’re not going to have you name all 90, otherwise we’ll be here until Game 7. We’re limiting it to non-goalies who have skated in at least 500 games for the Flyers and Penguins combined.

To make it a little easier, we’ll give you a clue for each player. And because we're feeling generous, we'll even spot you the first name ...

This won't be the Flyers' first playoff appearance since the arrival of Gritty, but it will be their first time playing at home. That's because the last time the Flyers were in the postseason — the only time since Gritty's 2018 debut — came in the COVID-19 bubble in Toronto during the 2019-20 season.

The Flyers won their first-round series before falling to the New York Islanders in seven games, but Gritty was locked out. He still made his presence known with off-ice shenanigans, like taking out a billboard or making an ill-destined trip to Toronto, Ohio (not Ontario). But this time, the orange ball of fur and chaos will be inside the arena.

And he had a message for fans.

As Noah Cates said before the Flyers grabbed yet another game at the Pittsburgh Penguins’ home, with a 3-0 win, “It’s a series, and it’s a war.”

It’s not a one-and-done game, and the Flyers must be prepared for Sidney Crosby and Co. to come out with revenge on their minds when the Eastern Conference first-round series shifts to Philly on Wednesday.

Here are four points of emphasis the Flyers must carry over, especially with the Penguins sure to push even harder in Game 3 at Xfinity Mobile Arena.

Sabres and Bruins tied 1-1

Morgan Geekie bounced in a shot from beyond center as part of Boston’s three-goal second-period surge and the Bruins beat the Buffalo Sabres 4-2 to even their first-round playoff series at 1 on Tuesday night.

Viktor Arvidsson scored twice and Pavel Zacha also scored. David Pastrnak had two assists to give him five points in the series and tie Bobby Orr for eighth on the Bruins career playoff list with 92 points.

Midway through the third period of what would become Dan Vladař’s first career playoff shutout, the Flyers were caving in.

They still led by 2-0 after the second period, but the vaunted Pittsburgh offense was jumping, heavily outshooting the Flyers and finally getting into its cycle offense.

“They were pressing us,” coach Rick Tocchet said. “For about three or four minutes, [before] we got to the timeout. They were coming in waves at us.”

The entrance ramp to I-95 North and the exit ramp from I-95 South on Front Street in South Philadelphia are closed for construction for the next month.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation closed the ramps on Tuesday to allow crews to widen roadways and make improvements as part of an ongoing $56.1 million I-95 repair project, according to the agency. The ramp is scheduled to remain closed until May 21.

Drivers that need to access I-95 North will be directed to use Oregon Avenue and turn left onto Columbus Boulevard to access the ramp to I-95 North. Drivers can exit I-95 South at either of the two closest exits, Exit 17 at Broad Street or Exit 20 at Columbus Boulevard and Washington Avenue.