The Philadelphia Flyers (8-10-2) are set to host the Chicago Blackhawks (7-12-1) in a matchup that has the potential to reset their course after a tough two-game skid.
Coming off a 4-1 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes, the Flyers need to focus on consistency, discipline, and respecting their opponent to avoid another disappointing home loss, and while head coach John Tortorella has made it clear that the Flyers aren’t underestimating any opponent, the Blackhawks could be the team to do it against.
Play A Complete Game
One of Philadelphia’s recurring issues this season has been their inability to sustain momentum across all three periods. Against Carolina, the Flyers played two strong periods before unraveling in the third, where defensive breakdowns and a lack of puck support allowed the Hurricanes to dominate. Head coach John Tortorella made it clear that he expects his team to play with composure and intensity throughout the full 60 minutes.
“[Carolina] spanked us in the third,” Tortorella acknowledged postgame. “…We are not good enough, we are not good enough to play that type of game [of] trying to beat people [in the neutral zone]. We need to bring support over, make simple, little plays. If we have no play, we need to get in.”
Megan DeRuchie-The Hockey News
The Blackhawks may not have the same firepower as the Hurricanes, but they are a young, opportunistic team that can punish mistakes. With rookie sensation Connor Bedard leading the way, Chicago has the tools to exploit lapses in defensive coverage or discipline. The Flyers cannot afford to take their foot off the gas, especially in the second and third periods, where they’ve often struggled to close out games.
This game is an opportunity for the Flyers to prove they’ve learned from their mistakes. A consistent, focused effort could not only secure a win but also restore some much-needed confidence to a team starting to feel the effects of getting inconsistent results.
More Chances For Kolosov
Rookie goaltender Aleksei Kolosov will get the nod against the Blackhawks, continuing to gain valuable NHL experience as he develops into a potential cornerstone for the Flyers’ future. Kolosov has shown flashes of brilliance in his starts, combining athleticism with sharp instincts, but he’ll need the defense in front of him to play a disciplined game to avoid being left out to dry.
This matchup presents a unique challenge for Kolosov. On one hand, the Blackhawks are a team still finding their identity and rank near the bottom of the league in goals per game. On the other hand, Connor Bedard is already playing like a superstar, and players like Taylor Hall and Lukas Reichel have the speed and creativity to generate scoring chances.
Related: The Confusing Offseason Saga Of Flyers’ Alexei Kolosov
The Flyers’ defense, led by the reliable Travis Sanheim, will need to be sharp in helping Kolosov manage rebounds and limit second-chance opportunities. While Kolosov has shown he can handle a heavy workload, this game could be a confidence booster for the rookie if the team provides the necessary support.
No Trap Games Here
Tortorella has emphasized all season that the Flyers, despite showing promising signs of growth, are not in a position to underestimate any opponent. Chicago’s 8-12-1 record might not seem threatening on paper, but the Blackhawks have shown flashes of resilience and determination, especially in games where Bedard takes over offensively.
The Flyers have struggled against teams that combine speed and aggression, and the Blackhawks bring an element of unpredictability. Philadelphia will need to stay disciplined and avoid the kind of turnovers and penalties that plagued them against Carolina.
© Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Additionally, this game could serve as a turning point in staving off a three-game losing streak. A win would not only keep the Flyers above .500 but also reestablish the mental toughness that Tortorella has been working to instill in his group. However, any lapses in focus could result in a missed opportunity to pick up points against a rebuilding team.
Projected Lines
Philadelphia Flyers
Forwards:
Owen Tippett – Sean Couturier – Travis Konecny
Tyson Foerster – Noah Cates – Matvei Michkov
Joel Farabee – Morgan Frost – Bobby Brink
Nic Deslauriers – Ryan Poehling – Garnet Hathaway
Defense:
Travis Sanheim – Rasmus Ristolainen
Nick Seeler – Erik Johnson
Egor Zamula – Helge Grans
Starting Goalie:
Aleksei Kolosov
Chicago Blackhawks
Forwards:
Connor Bedard – Jason Dickinson – Joey Andersob
Philipp Kurashev – Nick Foligno – Teuvo Teravainen
Taylor Hall – Ryan Donato – Pat Maroon
Tyler Bertuzzi – Lukas Reichel – Craig Smith
Defense:
Alex Vlasic – Connor Murphy
Nolan Allen – Alec Martinez
Wyatt Kaiser – T.J. Brodie
Starting Goalie:
Petr Mrazek
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