The Flyers continued their strong run of form with a 3-1 win over the New Jersey Devils in a game that showcased their work ethic, discipline, and ability to capitalize on key moments.
The Flyers continued their strong run of form with a 3-1 win over the New Jersey Devils in a game that showcased their work ethic, discipline, and ability to capitalize on key moments.
Although it was a low-shot affair, the Flyers executed their game plan effectively, demonstrating their commitment to a structured, team-first approach.
PPGs, Cellys, Empty-Netters, Oh My!
Matvei Michkov’s enthusiasm for scoring was on full display, as the rookie netted a pivotal goal in the second period.
Known for his fiery celebrations, Michkov once again showcased his relentless drive to make an impact. After the game, Sam Ersson summed it up perfectly: “He’s a pure goal scorer and doesn’t like to be denied.”
Bobby Brink also stepped up in a big way, scoring a crucial power-play goal that not only extended the Flyers’ lead but also served as a confidence boost for the young forward. Brink has been steadily improving his offensive game, and his contribution on the man advantage helped bolster a power play that has been steadily gaining momentum.
Travis Konecny was also able to net the heartbreaker for the Devils, scoring an empty-net goal to make it 3-1 with just 1.1 seconds left on the clock—a relief for the winger, who Tortorella mentioned had been feeling stuck for a good portion of the game.
"TK's one that I thought looked frustrated all night long, but he kept his patience," he said. "He didn't do something stupid and didn't cost us...so it's good to live through that one and find a way to get a result."
(Also, Konecny is casually tied for a top 10 spot in the league in terms of points. No big deal.)
Defensive Commitment Leads the Way
While Sam Ersson wasn’t heavily tested in terms of shot volume, his ability to control the puck and stay sharp when called upon was a major factor in the Flyers’ success. Ersson exuded calmness between the pipes, managing rebounds effectively and ensuring the Devils couldn’t generate second-chance opportunities. His current four-game win streak matches his career high.
But it wasn’t just Ersson who shone defensively—Rasmus Ristolainen's and Nick Seeler's willingness to sacrifice their bodies was crucial. Ristolainen blocked five shots, a performance that underscored John Tortorella’s emphasis on “eating a lot of shots” to protect the goaltender. By clogging shooting lanes and getting in front of pucks, the Flyers’ defensive corps relieved pressure on Ersson and disrupted the Devils’ offensive rhythm.
The Flyers also allowed the fewest shots against in Tortorella's time in Philadelphia, with Ersson facing just 13 from the Devils.
Embracing the Grind
The word of the afternoon for John Tortorella was “patience,” but it was promising to him that the Flyers were able to wait for the right opportunities to generate offense rather than stumble over themselves desperately trying to make something happen.
“You don’t want to give up odd man rushes, you don’t want to overexert and lose your patience,” Tortorella said of keeping a measured tempo throughout the game. “You need to stay on your toes, but also keep your patience. I think it’s a huge part of what we’re trying to do as a team.”
Even when a game isn't super action-packed, it's a crucial step forward for the Flyers to be able to keep their wits about them and roll with the rhythm of the game. Not every match is going to be a circus, and even though the Flyers have been known to thrive amongst chaos, it's extremely promising to see just how well they can do when things are quieter.
Even more encouraging is taking another two points against a division rival, along with bringing their current point streak to five games. It's the most momentum they've gained so far in the season, and it's clear that they intend to take full advantage of it. With little rest time between today's game and next week's slate, which includes a back-to-back against both New York teams, keeping that energy will be crucial in securing more division points and solidifying a playoff spot.
Their next game will be at home against the Detroit Red Wings on Jan. 21 at 7:00 PM.