• Powered by Roundtable
    Siobhan Nolan
    Siobhan Nolan
    Dec 1, 2024, 04:12

    The Philadelphia Flyers’ 3-2 overtime victory against the St. Louis Blues on a busy Thursday night in the NHL was not the most polished or flawless performance, but it was undeniably one of perseverance, promising chemistry, and standout individual efforts.

    The Philadelphia Flyers’ 3-2 overtime victory against the St. Louis Blues on a busy Thursday night in the NHL was not the most polished or flawless performance, but it was undeniably one of perseverance, promising chemistry, and standout individual efforts.

    Jeff Curry-Imagn Images - Three Takeaways From Flyers OT Win vs. Blues

    The Philadelphia Flyers’ 3-2 overtime victory against the St. Louis Blues on a busy Thursday night in the NHL was not the most polished or flawless performance, but it was undeniably one of perseverance, promising chemistry, and standout individual efforts. 

    The Flyers entered the game on the tail end of a back-to-back set, following a week of demanding travel and games, but despite these challenges, they pulled off a thrilling overtime win—powered by the brilliance of Matvei Michkov, a sensational performance from Aleksei Kolosov, and a couple of much-needed contributions from players who had struggled earlier in the season. 

    Michkov With The Midas Touch

    It’s becoming increasingly clear that Matvei Michkov isn’t just a future star; he’s a present one. The 19-year-old forward, who has been adjusting to the NHL game with an inimitable flair and swagger, added yet another monumental achievement to his resume in this win: scoring the overtime winner, which also marked his third overtime goal of the season, tying the NHL record for most OT winners scored by a teenager in a single season (3).

    Beyond the individual accomplishment, Michkov’s chemistry with Travis Konecny in the extra frame was electric. The two formed a dynamic duo, playing with a seamless understanding of one another’s movement and positioning. Konecny’s ability to draw defenders and create space allowed Michkov to capitalize on his incredible shot and finish the game in style.

    There’s something undeniably special about their connection—Konecny’s speed and playmaking ability coupled with Michkov’s lethal accuracy and vision—and their synergy could be a potent weapon for the Flyers for years to come. It was an overtime display that showcased why the Flyers’ future is so bright, with Michkov continuing to impress not just with his offensive production, but with his calm under pressure and ability to come through when it matters most.

    Kolosov Comes Up Huge

    In a game that saw both teams exchange opportunities and momentum shifts, one of the most crucial performances came from rookie goaltender Aleksei Kolosov. The Flyers’ 22-year-old netminder delivered a jaw-dropping 25-save performance, keeping his team in the game on multiple occasions and proving why he’s quickly earning the trust of his coaching staff. Kolosov faced a number of high-danger chances and had to come up big in moments that could have swung the game heavily in the Blues’ favor.

    Despite the Flyers being outshot in the first two periods and the game being a back-and-forth battle, Kolosov remained steady, making key saves at critical junctures, including several in the final minutes of regulation and overtime. His calm demeanor in net, particularly on the power play opportunities for the Blues, was vital in ensuring that the Flyers weren’t overwhelmed. Kolosov’s ability to stay calm and in control, especially with the Blues pressing in the third period, was instrumental in securing the win.

    In a season where consistency in net has been a bit of a question mark for the Flyers, Kolosov’s performance in this game was a shining example of what the Flyers hope to build upon going forward.

    No Scoresheet Struggles Here!

    As much as the game was defined by new talent like Michkov and Kolosov, it was also marked by encouraging performances from players who have been struggling to find their offensive rhythm this season. Owen Tippett and Tyson Foerster—two players expected to play significant roles offensively—each got on the scoresheet in this game, providing a much-needed spark after a stretch of frustrating games without a goal.

    Tippett, who had shown flashes of brilliance but struggled to consistently find the back of the net, registered a goal in this contest, which was a welcome sign for both him and the Flyers. He’s the kind of player who can change the complexion of a game with his speed and shot, and seeing him finally contribute on the scoresheet is a step in the right direction for his confidence and overall play. Similarly, Foerster, who’s been looking for his offensive breakout, also had an impact, getting on the board and contributing to the Flyers’ balanced attack.

    While both Tippett and Foerster still have room to grow and improve, this game serves as a reminder of their potential and a positive development in their individual journeys. Their ability to break through in a game that required more than just skill—where resilience and grit were just as important—was a key to the Flyers finding success in a hard-fought win.

    The Flyers get a much-needed break after this, not taking the ice again until Dec. 5 against the Florida Panthers at 7 PM on home ice.

    Recent Flyers News

    Flyers Miss Out On Star Trade Target

    4 Flyers Forwards Named As Trade Candidates

    Gameday 25 Preview: Flyers vs. Blues

    Three Takeaways From Flyers Win vs. Rangers

    Flyers Defender Drawing Serious Trade Interest

    Gameday 24 Preview: Flyers vs. Rangers

    Who Would Flyers Players Be As Thanksgiving Dishes?

    Gameday 23 Preview: Flyers vs. Predators

    Important Flyers Forward Generating Big Trade Interest