Gameday 47 Preview: Flyers vs. Red Wings

The Philadelphia Flyers, surging with momentum and confidence, are set to host the Detroit Red Wings in what promises to be another exciting matchup.

The Philadelphia Flyers, surging with momentum and confidence, are set to host the Detroit Red Wings in what promises to be another exciting matchup.

Last time these two faced off against each other, Scott Laughton enjoyed a four-goal game, and while Laughton won't be available tonight due to a personal matter, the Flyers will be looking to continue collecting points to move themselves more comfortably into a playoff spot.

Rodrigo Ābols, the 29-year-old Latvian center, is set to make his long-awaited NHL debut after being called up from the AHL’s Lehigh Valley Phantoms.

Ābols has taken an unconventional path to the NHL. Drafted by the Vancouver Canucks in 2016, he honed his skills in Europe and then returned to North America, where he became a reliable contributor in the AHL. His size (6’4”, 205 lbs), versatility, and two-way play have been key assets at every level.

"I'm really excited for him," Olle Lycksell, who has played with Ābols on the Phantoms, said. "I've seen a lot of him; I faced him in Sweden too. He's big and he's good with the puck and he's got a really good two-way game. He's been scoring a lot late in Lehigh."

For the Flyers, Ābols' debut provides an opportunity to inject fresh energy into the lineup. With Scott Laughton unavailable, Ābols may be slotted into a depth role but is expected to make an immediate impact with his responsible defensive play and ability to chip in offensively when needed.

Sam Ersson will start in net, continuing his steady presence as the Flyers manage their goaltending rotation. Ersson has impressed since bouncing back from some lower-body injury struggles, showcasing excellent rebound control, positioning, and the ability to make timely saves.

Against a Red Wings team that features offensive threats like Dylan Larkin, Alex DeBrincat, and Lucas Raymond, Ersson will need to stay sharp, particularly in transition situations where Detroit thrives. The Flyers’ defense has done a commendable job of limiting high-danger chances recently, but Ersson’s performance will be crucial to keeping the Red Wings’ dynamic scorers at bay.

This game also presents a key mental test for Ersson. With the Flyers riding a wave of momentum, maintaining their form depends heavily on confidence in net. Tortorella has spoken highly of Ersson’s work ethic and focus, and this game is another chance for the young goaltender to prove his worth.

If there’s one thing that’s made the Flyers must-watch hockey lately, it’s their growing sense of identity. This team has embraced the blue-collar, relentless style of play that John Tortorella has preached since his arrival. Whether it’s the aggressive forecheck, the willingness to battle along the boards, or the improved defensive structure, the Flyers are proving that they’re not just a rebuilding team—they’re a competitive one.

The Flyers’ offense has also become a significant talking point. Players like Noah Cates and Morgan Frost have been driving play, while the team’s depth scoring has been consistently stepping up. Against Detroit, maintaining this offensive consistency will be key. The Red Wings have struggled with defensive lapses at times, and the Flyers’ ability to pressure their defensemen could create opportunities to capitalize on mistakes.

Even with Laughton out of the lineup, the Flyers’ forward group has the depth and tenacity to keep the energy high. Expect players like Joel Farabee and Noah Cates to take on larger leadership roles, both on the ice and in the locker room, as the team looks to build on their recent success.

Philadelphia Flyers

Forwards:

Owen Tippett - Morgan Frost - Travis Konecny

Joel Farabee - Sean Couturier - Matvei Michkov

Tyson Foerster - Noah Cates - Bobby Brink 

Olle Lycksell - Rodrigo Ābols - Garnet Hathaway

Defense:

Cam York - Travis Sanheim

Egor Zamula - Rasmus Ristolainen

Nick Seeler - Jamie Drysdale

Starting Goalie:

Sam Ersson

Detroit Red Wings

Forwards:

Marco Kasper - Dylan Larkin - Lucas Raymond

Alex DeBrincat - Andrew Copp - Patrick Kane

Vladimir Tarasenko - J.T. Compher - Jonatan Berggren

Elmer Soderblom - Michael Rasmussen - Christian Fischer

Defense:

Ben Chiarot - Moritz Seider

Simon Edvinsson - Albert Johansson

Erik Gustafsson - Justin Holl

Starting Goalie:

Cam Talbot