The Philadelphia Flyers (9-10-2) will take on the Vegas Golden Knights (13-6-2), eager to build on the momentum of their thrilling 3-2 overtime comeback win against the Chicago Blackhawks.
While the Flyers have been trending upward in many areas, the Golden Knights represent a steep challenge, but the Flyers will be helped out by the Knights’ “meh” road record and a nearly fully-healthy defense ready to get their skates back under them as a unit.
(Almost) Back To Full Strength
After weeks of navigating injuries, the Flyers’ defense is regaining its footing with Cam York and Emil Andrae returning to the lineup. Though both players showed some rust in their return against Chicago, their presence has bolstered the blue line’s mobility and puck-moving capabilities.
Megan DeRuchie-The Hockey News
York, who thrives in transition and contributes to the rush, and Andrae, known for his sharp instincts and composure, will play key roles against a Golden Knights team that excels at creating pressure and capitalizing on turnovers. With defense nearly at full health, head coach John Tortorella can rely on a more balanced rotation, which should help keep his team organized against a strong Vegas attack.
Fedotov In The Crease
Ivan Fedotov will once again take the crease for the Flyers, continuing his strong campaign. The towering goaltender has been a stabilizing forcem boasting a composed demeanor that’s been crucial in high-pressure moments.
Fedotov will need to be at his best against a Golden Knights team that ranks among the league’s most efficient at generating offense. Their ability to score in waves will test the Flyers’ defensive structure and Fedotov’s ability to track the puck through traffic.
Megan DeRuchie-The Hockey News
As the Flyers look to keep pace with Vegas, Fedotov’s performance could make or break their chances of pulling off a win. He’s proven that he’s more than capable of making sprawling, gritty saves, and a reinforced defense in front of him could certainly take the pressure off a little as he continues proving his worth in the NHL.
Just Keep Scoring
The Flyers’ thrilling overtime victory against Chicago highlighted their resilience, but it also underscored the need to get more players contributing offensively. Tortorella has continued shuffling the forward lines to spark production, with the team seeking a more consistent offensive identity.
The dynamic play of the usual suspects like Travis Konecny, Matvei Michkov, and even more recently Bobby Brink has set the tone, but the Flyers will need secondary scoring and better puck support to stay competitive against the Golden Knights.
With renewed energy from their comeback win, the Flyers have an opportunity to test themselves against one of the league’s current top performers. Staying disciplined and maintaining composure across all three periods will be critical against Vegas, where lapses are quickly punished.
Megan DeRuchie-The Hockey News
Projected Lines
Philadelphia Flyers
Forwards:
Joel Farabee – Sean Couturier – Travis Konecny
Owen Tippett – Morgan Frost – Matvei Michkov
Tyson Foerster – Noah Cates – Bobby Brink
Scott Laughton – Ryan Poehling – Garnet Hathaway
Defense:
Cam York – Travis Sanheim
Emil Andrae – Rasmus Ristolainen
Nick Seeler – Helge Grans
Starting Goalie:
Ivan Fedotov
Vegas Golden Knights
Forwards:
Ivan Barbashev – Jack Eichel – Alexander Holtz
Tomas Hertl – Nicolas Roy – Keegan Kolesar
Brett Howden – William Karlsson – Pavel Dorofeyev
Tanner Pearson – Cole Schwindt – Cal Burke
Defense:
Brayden McNabb – Shea Theodore
Noah Hanifin – Zach Whitecloud
Nicolas Hague – Kaden Korczak
Starting Goalie:
Ilya Samsinov
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