Former Red Wings Propel Penguins to Crucial Playoff Win Against Flyers

In a thrilling Game 5 showdown at PPG Paints Arena, former Detroit Red Wings forwards Anthony Mantha and Elmer Soderblom played pivotal roles in helping the Pittsburgh Penguins stave off elimination against the Philadelphia Flyers. With a tense 3-2 victory, the Penguins have narrowed the Flyers’ series lead to three games to two, keeping their playoff hopes alive.

Soderblom, who was traded to the Penguins by the Red Wings in March, made a memorable playoff debut by scoring his first career goal in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The towering forward, standing at 6’9″, opened the scoring early in the first period with a precise snap shot that zipped past Flyers goaltender Dan Vladar. This moment marked a significant milestone for Soderblom, who had struggled to find his footing in Detroit.

Anthony Mantha, who assisted on Soderblom’s goal, has been enjoying a breakout season in Pittsburgh. Having set personal bests with 33 goals and 31 assists, Mantha’s performance this year has positioned him for a potential pay raise, moving beyond the $2.5 million he earned this season. His experience and skill have proven invaluable in this playoff run.

While Soderblom’s journey in Detroit saw him tally just two goals and an assist over 39 games this season, his trade to Pittsburgh has revitalized his career. The Red Wings sent him to the Penguins in exchange for a third-round draft pick in 2026, a move that has already begun to pay dividends for both Soderblom and his new team. Meanwhile, Mantha, who was traded to the Capitals in April 2021, has found his stride once again, showcasing the talent that made him a standout in Detroit.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.