The Philadelphia Flyers got their 2024-25 season off in dramatic fashion, taking the Vancouver Canucks into overtime, then a shootout, where goaltender Sam Ersson and center Morgan Frost would come up big to earn a Flyers victory.
But the cinematic season opener had more than just a nerve-wracking conclusion—the Flyers showed improvements in areas of their game that needed it last season, and overall looked like a confident and cohesive group against a tough Canucks team. One game won’t tell us all the answers, but this one gave fans plenty to talk about.
Honey, They Fixed The Powerplay!
Okay, it’s way too soon to tell if the powerplay (which was ranked dead last in the league last season) is actually fixed, but for the first goal of the Flyers’ season to be one scored on the powerplay—courtesy of Tyson Foerster—is a promising start.
The powerplay actually looked pretty dangerous against the Canucks, with the Flyers looking more willing to take quick, sharp shots on goal rather than meander around the zone trying to find the perfect scoring opportunity. Jamie Drysdale quarterbacking the first unit man advantage did wonders, but even the second PP unit looked serviceable.
(Also notable: The Flyers penalty kill remains excellent, going 5/5 in Vancouver.)
Michkov’s Mind
Even Matvei Michkov didn’t get a point in his NHL debut, his impact hit the Flyers like an earthquake.
The young Russian winger reads the game at a whole different level than the players around him, and rather than that make him out of sync with his teammates, it brings everyone’s quality of play up.
It’s well-known that Michkov is not lacking in confidence, but his vision and creativity were simply dazzling against the Canucks. He was effortlessly making and creating chances that he seemed to pull out of thin air, and it elevated the lethalness of his team.
The points will come, but seeing Michkov have that kind of effect on the team in his first NHL game is a thrilling thing for fans.
Sam Ersson Stuns
It’s only the first game, and Sam Ersson is already coming up big.
The Swedish goalie displayed his usual calmness and quickness in front of the net, but he moved with noticeably more confidence in this game. It’s undoubtedly a testament to the fact that he’s had an entire summer to get some much-deserved rest before being able to properly train, knowing that he’s the starting goalie this season.
It’s a strong outing from one of the—if not the—most overworked Flyers players last season, and will lend plenty of confidence to anyone still unsure about Ersson’s ability to be the No. 1 in net.
The Flyers will continue their west coast road trip against the Calgary Flames on Oct. 12.
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