Dan Vladar will start for the Flyers tonight in the opener

Dan Vladar will start in goal for the Philadelphia Flyers in their 2026-27 season opener against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Head coach Rick Tocchet confirmed the decision on WIP radio after Vladar was cleared to return following an upper-body injury during the preseason. The goaltender missed the preseason finale on medical staff advice but practiced fully on Tuesday.

Vladar enters the campaign as Philadelphia's clear starting netminder after signing a five-year contract extension. He recorded a 29-14-7 record, a 2.42 goals-against average, and a .906 save percentage across 52 games in the 2025-26 season. Joseph Woll will serve as his backup.