Gameday 76 Preview: Flyers vs. Predators

The Philadelphia Flyers have found their groove lately. 

After dropping some tough games earlier in the month, they've responded with two explosive offensive performances, racking up 13 goals over their last two outings. It's the kind of hockey they've wanted to play all season—fast, creative, and instinctual—and right now, everything is clicking.

Players like Matvei Michkov and Ryan Poehling have been surging, while the new defensive pairings of Travis Sanheim with Nick Seeler and Cam York with Jamie Drysdale have added stability and puck-moving ability to the back end.

The playoffs may not be in the cards in this year, but that hasn't stopped the Flyers from playing with purpose. They're continuing to build their identity, find what works, and set the foundation for the future. Tonight, they'll look to keep the momentum rolling as they take on the Nashville Predators at home.

1. Offense Unleashed: Flyers Playing Freer, More Dynamic Hockey

The Flyers’ recent scoring outburst has been a welcome sight. It’s not just the number of goals they’re putting up—it’s the way they’re generating offense. The creativity, the quick puck movement, the willingness to take risks and make plays—this is a team that looks confident with the puck on their sticks.

Interim head coach Brad Shaw has enjoyed watching the offense come to life but knows sustaining it is another challenge entirely.

“It’s been fun to watch guys find their scoring touch again,” Shaw said. “We’ve obviously scored at a much higher rate the last couple of games, but that’s really hard to sustain.”

That said, when plays like Owen Tippett’s jaw-dropping assist to Jakob Pelletier happen, it’s hard not to get excited.

“That Tippett play to go around and set up Pelletier—that’s ridiculous, right? That’s the stuff you try in practice and it never works, and then he does it in a game.”

The Flyers are in a unique stage of the season. They’re not playing for a playoff spot, but they’re playing for something—growth, development, pride. Shaw recognizes that, and his message to the team is clear: make the most of these moments.

“We can salvage something positive out of this as individual players," he said. "We’re trying to pump as much energy into the room as we can.”

Tonight, against a Predators team still in the thick of a playoff push, the Flyers’ offensive creativity will be tested. Can they keep up the same pace? Can they maintain their structure while still allowing that offensive freedom? That balance will be key.

2. Defensive Chemistry: New Pairings Getting a Look

The Flyers have shaken things up on the blue line, and so far, the results have been promising. The duo of Travis Sanheim and Nick Seeler has brought physicality and defensive reliability, while Cam York and Jamie Drysdale have provided smooth puck movement and offensive upside. With the team out of the playoff picture, now is the time to experiment with different combinations and see what sticks.

“I guess we liked Seeler and Sanheim enough to take a look,” Shaw said. “I think now is also a time to maybe look at combinations you might not have considered if we’re going down this stretch in a different scenario.”

The York-Drysdale pairing, in particular, is an intriguing one. Both are mobile defensemen who excel at transitioning the puck, and while they’ve spent time together situationally, this is their first extended run as a pairing.

“I’ve played them a little when I was right on the D, in scenarios where we’re down late, in the last six, seven minutes when we were trailing," he recounted. "Across 60 minutes, you see where maybe some of the shortcomings might come in any combinations. We’re probably gonna go back with it again tonight and see what it looks like and see if they can create a little bit more chemistry.”

With Nashville bringing a hard-nosed, structured game, this will be a good test for these new pairings. The Flyers want to play a more free-flowing style, but they’ll need to be smart defensively to prevent the Predators from grinding them down.

3. Garnet Hathaway’s Return Brings Physicality Back

Garnet Hathaway is back in the lineup, and the Flyers couldn’t be happier to have him.

The veteran winger missed a long stretch with injury, and while the Flyers managed in his absence, there’s no replacing the grit and intensity he brings to the ice. Hathaway is one of those players whose impact isn’t always measured on the scoresheet—his physicality, forechecking, and leadership set the tone for the entire team.

“It’s great. It’s always tough with that type of injury,” Shaw said. “He plays a very physical style, so when you put him in, there’s gonna be a lot of contact. He’s comfortable with it, and that’s a real important thing. We’re happy to see him.”

There’s an undeniable edge that Hathaway brings when he’s in the lineup. His ability to shift momentum with a big hit, a strong board battle, or an energy shift makes a real difference.

Final Thoughts

The Flyers may not be fighting for a playoff spot, but they’re still fighting for something. Over the last couple of games, they’ve rediscovered their offensive spark, experimented with defensive pairings, and welcomed back a key veteran presence. That’s all part of the bigger picture—figuring out what works, who fits where, and what kind of team they want to be moving forward.

Tonight’s matchup against Nashville presents another opportunity to build on that momentum. Can the offense keep rolling? Will the new defensive pairings hold up? Can Hathaway’s return help set the physical tone?

There are still plenty of questions to be answered. But one thing is clear—the Flyers are making the most of this stretch, and they’re doing it on their own terms.

Projected Lines

Philadelphia Flyers

Forwards:

Tyson Foerster - Noah Cates - Bobby Brink

Matvei Michkov - Sean Couturier - Travis Konecny

Owen Tippett - Ryan Poehling - Jakob Pelletier

Olle Lycksell - Rodrigo Abols - Garnet Hathaway

Defense:

Nick Seeler - Travis Sanheim

Cam York - Jamie Drysdale 

Egor Zamula - Emil Andrae

Goalies:

Ivan Fedotov

Samuel Ersson

Nashville Predators

Forwards:

Filip Forsberg - Ryan O'Reilly - Luke Evangelista

Michael Bunting - Steven Stamkos - Zachary L'Heureux

Cole Smith - Fedor Svechkov - Jakub Vrana

Jordan Oesterle - Michael McCarron - Kieffer Bellows

Defense:

Brady Skjei - Nick Blankenburg

Marc Del Gaizo - Justin Barron

Spencer Stastney - Andreas Englund

Goalies:

Juuse Saros

Justus Annunen