After a rollercoaster game that saw the Philadelphia Flyers build and then lose a three-goal lead, only to emerge victorious in a shootout, it's clear that this team isn't just looking for wins—they're out to reclaim their identity.
After a rollercoaster game that saw the Philadelphia Flyers build and then lose a three-goal lead, only to emerge victorious in a shootout, it's clear that this team isn't just looking for wins—they're out to reclaim their identity.
After a rollercoaster game that saw the Philadelphia Flyers build and then lose a three-goal lead, only to emerge victorious in a shootout, it's clear that this team isn't just looking for wins—they're out to reclaim their identity.
The 4-3 win over the San Jose Sharks highlighted the Flyers' blend of youthful talent, veteran grit, and a reinvigorated fighting spirit that helped carry momentum across three periods, overtime, and a shootout that had the Wells Fargo Center rocking.
Matvei Michkov Is So Back
When Matvei Michkov is on the ice, it's impossible to ignore him. Against the Sharks, he was electric—bringing speed, creativity, and a level of excitement that injected the Flyers with jolt of confidence. The young winger has had some ups and downs this season (he was healthy scratched the past two games), but in this matchup, he showed exactly why he's one of the most thrilling players to watch.
His quick hands and instinctive vision made him a focal point of the Flyers' offense, with every shift offering a new spark of possibility—clearly feeling well-rested after having to watch a couple of games.
"I had plenty of energy and was feeling really good," he said, through interpreter Slava Kuznetsov.
It wasn't just Michkov's finesse that made him stand out. After a minor altercation with Sharks rookie Macklin Celebrini, Michkov didn't hesitate to assert himself, landing a quick one-two punch and proving he's more than capable of handling physical play.
This blend of skill and attitude is exactly what the Flyers need from Michkov. He's not just here to be the playmaker—he's here to embody that kind of heart that the Flyers want to define their hockey style.
"You see he's competitive, and that's what we love about him," Travis Konecny said of Michkov postgame. "He brings all the other stuff to the game—the skill and the mindset, but he competes and he hangs in there and he had some hits tonight too, so he's not just contributing in offense. He's trying to different parts of the game, block shots. He's great in the things [the media] doesn't talk about."
In response to Konecny's praise, Michkov laughed, saying, "If Travis says it, I'll [take] it!"
Emil Andrae Causing Problems
Emil Andrae is fast emerging as one of the Flyers' most reliable and entertaining defensemen. Against San Jose, Andrae not only looked solid defensively but also contributed to the Flyers' offensive rush, joining plays at key moments and displaying an impressive on-ice awareness. His confidence with the puck and ability to read the game at a high level are qualities that have become increasingly evident as he adapts to the NHL.
"[It's] just my instinct," Andrae said of his offensive play. "[I'm] trying to shoot when I have to and trying to pass when I have to. I still think I can shoot it a lot more and [get] pucks through to the net. I think did a pretty good job, so just gotta keep going."
His poise under pressure and ability to push the pace were especially crucial on a night where the Flyers were facing a bit of a "trap game" situation. If Andrae continues on this trajectory, he will cause serious problems for the coaching staff once Cam York is healthy enough to return to the lineup—it would be a travesty to send him back down to the AHL, but it would require some strategic reshuffling to ensure he's a lineup regular in the defensive core.
Return To Identity
Perhaps what stood out the most in the Flyers' win over the Sharks was a palpable sense of swagger. From Erik Johnson and Nick Seeler dropping to gloves to Michkov's now-signature "are you not entertained?" goal celebration, to Travis Konecny's Datsyukian game-winning shootout goal, this was a Flyers team that made sure the Sharks knew who they were dealing with.
They played with an edge that is so fun to watch, and even though they let a 3-0 lead slip away, their resilience to regroup and push through overtime and the shootout was a testament to a team determined to create a new identity while holding onto its roots.
The Flyers' blend of bravado and skill gave them an energy that felt contagious. The team kept pushing forward creatively, generating offensive chances, showing off-the-charts chemistry, and having each other's backs in every situation. Even when the Sharks began to apply pressure and clawed their way back, the Flyers didn't waver.
By the time the game reached the shootout, the Flyers seemed to have tapped into a collective confidence that put on full display a team establishing who they want to be, and securing two points in the process.
The Flyers will travel to Ottawa to take on the Senators on Nov. 14 at 7:00 PM.
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