The Flyers began their longest homestand of the season with a 0-2-0 record, as they are shutout by the Jets Thursday night. Philly is now 15-15-1 at home this season. Let’s wrap:
Mayday, Mayday
The Jets came into this contest with an NHL-best power-play percentage by a team this season, at 31.2 percent. They were 2-for-2 in this one, making quick, decisive decisions with the puck and as a result, pulling the Flyers away from their coverages.
“It wasn’t good enough, especially at this time of year,” Sean Couturier said. “I thought we were flat for most of the game. They seemed to want it more and they’re a good team. They made us pay.”
On the first goal, Kyle Connor surveyed the play before spotting Gabe Vilardi in the slot. Vilardi fired a shot that Samuel Ersson stopped, but couldn’t corral the rebound. The puck ricocheted to Mark Scheifele at the side of the net and he finished off the play on the backhand for the game’s opening goal. The second tally you can see from the Twitter clip above.
“Some things in my game are not exactly where I want them to be right now,” Ersson said. “I know I have to be a lot better. I know I can be better.”
Scheifele ended his night with a goal and two assists, while teammate Kyle Connor picked up a goal and an assist in the dominating victory. Nikolaj Ehlers and Adam Lowry also scored as well.
The Flyers, on the other hand, found little room to operate. Winnipeg’s defense effectively smothered Philadelphia for much of the night, making it difficult for the Flyers to build up any speed through the neutral zone. Besides the late Michkov goal, the game was never really in danger for the Jets.
Trade Deadline Looming
All eyes are now on the NHL trade deadline, which is on Friday at 3:00 p.m. The Flyers aren’t expected to be super busy, but rumors have circled Scott Laughton, Egor Zamula and Rasmus Ristolanien as of this writing. There’s mostly smoke surrounding Laughton’s availability, as a handful of play-off bound teams are looking for a bottom six forward for their cup chase. Potential suitors for the swiss-army knife, top nine forward include the Devils, Maple Leafs, Capitals and Jets, according to various reports.
Should the Flyers move Laughton, he will be missed. The 30 year-old forward has long been seen as a quality person and teammate and it’s always a good thing to have guys like that. He’s an easy player to root for and any team would be lucky to have him in their dressing room.
They Said It
John Tortorella on the Flyers Performance Against the Jets: “My thought’s game are going to stay in the locker room. What I say up here with you guys will do the team no good. We did not play well.”
Sean Couturier on if the Trade Deadline affects the team: “I think it can. Yeah, definitely, but it is what it is. It’s the business side of things. It’s on us to be ready and control what you can control, show up to the rink and bring our A game.”
Did You Know?
According to NHL Stats, Matvei Michkov’s 20th goal of the season makes him the first rookie to reach the 20-goal mark in 2024-25. Additionally, Michkov and teammate Tyson Foerster become the first Flyers rookies to score 20 goals in consecutive seasons for the first time in over 30 years.
On Deck
The Flyers will return to action on Saturday, when they continue their homestand against the Seattle Kraken. Puck drop is set for 12:30 p.m. and will be broadcast on ABC and ESPN plus.
