Flyers vs. Penguins match at Beaver Stadium in works

The Flyers have had preliminary discussions about playing a regular-season game at Penn State's Beaver Stadium against their archrivals, the Pittsburgh Penguins, club president Peter Luukko confirmed Wednesday.

"We have spoken to the Pens and the league about expressing our combined interest," Luukko said. "Not sure if next year is a possibility. Penn State is very interested."

Outdoor games are all the rage in the NHL. Six of them are planned for next season, including events at Dodger Stadium, Yankee Stadium (twice), Soldier Field, and Michigan Stadium.

The Flyers have played at Boston's Fenway Park in 2010 and at Citizens Bank Park in 2012.

Joe Battista, associate athletic director for Penn State's ice arena and hockey operations, told WJAC- TV that his school is also interested in hosting an outdoor Big Ten game.

Battista said the NHL game, if approved, would probably have to be played in December before the stadium is winterized for the offseason.

Luukko noted that the league has not released its 2013-14 schedule, and that the December game might be a stumbling point.

"We don't know yet," he said.

Niitty's back. Former Flyers goalie Antero Niittymaki was hired by the club as a European scout.