WA-PHI-ANA-GauthierBoo The Philadelphia Flyers got back into the win column with a strong 4-2 win over the New Jersey Devils at the Wells Fargo Center. It was a game that showcased the Flyers' relentlessness, discipline, and depth as they stymied one of the NHL's most explosive teams. With key contributions from their penalty kill, an emphatic offensive effort, and a composed defensive performance, the Flyers demonstrated why they've been such a competitive team this season. SETTING THE TONE EARLY The Flyers faced an early test when Rasmus Ristolainen took a double-minor for high-sticking in the first period. Killing off a four-minute penalty against the Devils, who currently have the league's second-ranked powerplay, is no easy feat, but Philadelphia passed with flying colors (no pun intended). Their penalty kill was aggressive and disciplined, clogging lanes and forcing the Devils to settle for low-danger shots. (Not to mention, the Flyers get plenty of shots themselves while they were shorthanded.) This stretch not only kept the game scoreless but also gave the Flyers some ever-important early momentum. Shortly after the penalty expired, Bobby Brink opened the scoring with a powerplay goal, with Joel Farabee following suit with a goal of his own just 28 seconds later. Moments like this epitomize the Flyers' identity this season: enduring, opportunistic, and hard-working. Head coach John Tortorella praised the penalty kill in his postgame comments, emphasizing how critical it was to setting the tone. The Flyers not only neutralized the Devils' powerplay but also flipped the script, taking control of the game and never looking back. "The way we killed [the penalty], I thought we were really good," he said. "It wasn't like Erss was making save after save. I thought we killed it very well, so it certainly helped us to start the game." COMPOSED DEFENSE AND ERSSON'S DEPENDABILITY Sam Ersson didn’t have a particularly busy night in net, facing only 23 shots, but he made the key saves when it mattered most. The Flyers’ defense deserves much of the credit for this, as they played one of their most composed games of the season. They stayed tight in the defensive zone, limited turnovers, and kept the Devils' high-flying offense in check. "He's playing really well," Tortorella said of Ersson. "His mental capacity to evaluate himself and put it away and get better—he does it all the time. The angles and reading plays...I just didn't think he was busy. He made some big saves. The one they score is unfortunate to where it bounces to, but no, he was good." Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Sam Ersson (33) against the New Jersey Devils at the Wells Fargo Center on Jan. 27, 2025. [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjEyNDM3MDE5MjkxMjk3NDA4/img_9484.jpg] Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Sam Ersson (33) against the New Jersey Devils at the Wells Fargo Center on Jan. 27, 2025. Players like Travis Sanheim and Cam York stood out for their poise under pressure, while veterans like Erik Johnson brought a calming presence to the blue line. The Flyers successfully contained the Devils’ speed through the neutral zone, forcing them to dump the puck in rather than carry it into the offensive zone with control. Ersson’s steady presence between the pipes continues to give the Flyers confidence. While the young netminder didn’t need to steal the game, his positioning and rebound control were excellent, and he made a few critical saves to preserve the lead late in the third period. It’s becoming increasingly clear that Ersson is a reliable option as the Flyers navigate the grind of the season. SCOTT LAUGHTON'S SPARK After missing time due to a personal matter, Scott Laughton made his return to the lineup, and his impact was immediate. A natural leader on and off the ice, Laughton brought renewed energy to the team, both in the locker room and on his line with Joel Farabee and Matvei Michkov. The trio looked cohesive and dynamic, with Farabee scoring a crucial second goal in the first period and Michkov showcasing his elite playmaking ability. "He's great," Farabee said of Laughton's presence in the team. "He's the guy that keeps everyone together around here; having him is great. When he's at the rink, I think mosy guys are smiling and usually laughing. He keeps it light and he's a really good leader for this team, so we love having him. He went through a tough week, but it's our job as teammates to have his back and he was great tonight." Philadelphia Flyers forward Scott Laughton (21) hugs goaltender Sam Ersson after the Flyers secure a win over the New Jersey Devils at the Wells Fargo Center on Jan. 27, 2025. [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjEyNDM3MTI2OTMzOTE1MjY0/img_0082.jpg] Philadelphia Flyers forward Scott Laughton (21) hugs goaltender Sam Ersson after the Flyers secure a win over the New Jersey Devils at the Wells Fargo Center on Jan. 27, 2025. Laughton’s versatility and two-way game were on full display. He excelled driving play, provided a strong net-front presence, and was instrumental in the Flyers’ forecheck. Having Laughton back is a boost for the Flyers not only because of his skill but also because of the intangibles he brings. His return could not have come at a better time, as the Flyers look to build momentum heading into the 4-Nations Face-Off break. The Flyers will face the Devils again, this time back in New Jersey, on Jan. 29 at 7:00 PM.
