Things get ugly in Philadelphia as Penguins-Flyers blowout boils over

The Pittsburgh Penguins had already built a commanding 5-0 lead over the Philadelphia Flyers in the second period on Wednesday night, and the game appeared well in hand. But the rivalry never sleeps, and what unfolded next proved that the scoreboard means nothing when tempers flare between these two clubs.

Nick Robertson delivered a punishing hit that sent his former Toronto Maple Leafs teammate Simon Benoit crashing hard into the boards. The play immediately drew the attention of everyone on the ice, and Matvei Michkov wasn't going to let it slide. He rushed to defend his teammate without hesitation, which created a chain reaction, and Robertson quickly found himself surrounded by Flyers looking to make him answer for the hit.

The situation escalated into a full scrum, with multiple players from both sides getting involved. Robertson essentially had to face nearly every Flyer on the ice after delivering the hit on Benoit.

When the dust settled, the referees sorted through the chaos and handed out penalties. Robertson received two minutes for boarding. On the Philadelphia side, both Benoit and Declan Carile were assessed two minutes each for roughing. The result gave the Flyers a power play, though it came while they were staring at a five-goal deficit and did not manage to score on the man advantage.

The whole incident in Game 1 of the season was a reminder that Penguins and Flyers games carry an edge that transcends the standings or the scoreboard. Even in a blowout, neither side was willing to back down. It adds another chapter to one of hockey's fiercest rivalries and offers an early-season glimpse at the fire Michkov brings beyond his offensive talent. Although I’m pretty sure fans in Philly would prefer for him to rack up some goals at this point…