The Philadelphia Flyers entered their matchup against the Vegas Golden Knights seeking to build on their momentum of an overtime win against the Chicago Blackhawks—and, for a lot of the game, it looked as though they were poised to do so.
The Flyers jumped out to a 3-0 lead with strong contributions across the lineup. However, some shaky moments in the second period allowed Vegas to claw their way back, and ultimately, Philadelphia fell 5-4 in a shootout. Despite the result, there were plenty of positive takeaways from the game that highlighted the progress the team has been making in their quest for cohesion and identity.
Letting A Lead Slip Away
The Flyers came out…well…flying, building a commanding 3-0 lead through the first two periods. Their early success was fueled by an aggressive forecheck, sharp puck movement, and opportunistic scoring, including a smooth goal from Matvei Michkov and Emil Andrae’s first NHL tally.
However, the game got away from them a bit. The Golden Knights, known for their relentless attack and ability to turn games around in the blink of an eye, ramped up the pressure, scoring three unanswered goals to force overtime. Philadelphia struggled to maintain the composure and structure they displayed earlier, with lapses in defensive coverage and turnovers allowing Vegas to close the gap.
Despite the setback, the Flyers’ ability to hang with a powerhouse like the Golden Knights shows their growth. They weren’t overwhelmed, even when the tide turned, and managed to push the game to a shootout. It’s a painful lesson, but one that could serve them well as they learn how to protect leads against elite competition.
Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Offensive Sparks: Michkov and Frost Shine
The Flyers’ offense, often criticized for inconsistency, showed flashes of real brilliance against what head coach John Tortorella called a “big defense.” Matvei Michkov, who continues to show up in big moments, scored with a cool and easy assuredness that showed exactly why he leads all NHL rookies in points so far this season. His ability to find space and capitalize on chances is becoming a key asset for the team.
Morgan Frost, who has had an up-and-down season, also delivered a promisingly complete offensive performance. He looked confident with the puck, creating opportunities and showing the kind of vision that has made him such an intriguing player in the Flyers’ system. For Frost, games like this could be pivotal in solidifying his place in the lineup after periods of inconsistency and healthy scratches earlier in the year.
“It’s nice to contribute, for sure,” Frost said after the game. “Hopefully [I can] keep building on it and contribute more going forward because I think that’s kind of my role here.”
“[He played] better than he did [against Chicago],” Tortorella said. “I didn’t think he was bad in that first game back, but much more noticeably offensive tonight.”
Adding to the offensive firepower, Emil Andrae scored his first NHL goal, a milestone moment for the young defenseman who has been seriously impressive on the rush. Andrae’s confidence in both zones continues to grow, and his ability to contribute offensively is diversifying the skillset of the Flyers’ blue line.
When asked if his first goal only felt like a matter of “when,” not “if,” he said, “I’ve been shooting a lot of pucks and creating a lot of chances, so I think it was meant to be.”
Flyers’ Resolve Tested
Ivan Fedotov was one of the standout performers for the Flyers, making a number of critical saves to keep his team in the game, particularly in the high-pressure moments of the third period and overtime. Facing a relentless Vegas attack, Fedotov’s composure under fire was evident, even as the team in front of him struggled to contain the Golden Knights’ offensive push.
The Golden Knights, who boast a balanced and physical lineup, presented a significant challenge on both sides of the ice. Their ability to sustain pressure and capitalize on mistakes was on full display, but the Flyers largely held their own. That the game went to shootout speaks to Philadelphia’s improved resilience this season compared to years past, when a collapse like this might have ended in regulation.
“I thought we played really well when we could have lost ourselves a bit,” Tortorella said. “…I don’t think we buckled. I think we found ourselves and stayed within ourselves…I thought we played our best when maybe we could have just folded and gave in a little bit after they came back.”
The Flyers’ next outing will be on the road against the Nashville Predators on Nov. 27 at 8:00 PM.
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