Yahoo Sports Gameday 12 Preview: Flyers vs. Bruins
The Philadelphia Flyers are set to host the Boston Bruins in a rematch that follows their thrilling 2-0 victory in Boston earlier this week—a game where the Flyers snapped an 11-year win drought in regulation at TD Garden and earned their first shutout there since 2006.
Since then, Philadelphia has followed with a hard-fought 2-1 win over the St. Louis Blues, showing signs of a team gaining confidence and cohesion with each game.
Stepping Up On The Back Line
The Flyers’ defense has been a revelation in recent games, with Travis Sanheim, rookie Emil Andrae, and even Rasmus Ristolainen playing some of their most disciplined hockey of the season.
Megan DeRuchie-The Hockey News
Sanheim has been an anchor on the blue line, delivering smart plays and serving as a stabilizing presence, while Andrae’s poise and puck-moving ability have added fresh energy to the Flyers’ back end. Ristolainen, too, has contributed with physicality and smart positioning, a marked improvement that has bolstered Philly’s efforts in their zone.
The Bruins bring a formidable mix of speed and skill, so the Flyers’ defense will need to maintain this newfound sharpness. In their last meeting, they held Boston to zero goals and shut down their top scorers. Replicating that level of defensive focus will be crucial if they want to leave the Wells Fargo Center with another win.
Offense Coming Together
Though it’s been a season marked by grind-it-out games, the Flyers’ offense is finally showing signs of clicking. They’re generating a high volume of scoring chances, and now, more of those opportunities are finding the back of the net.
Players like Travis Konecny and Joel Farabee have continued to create offensive pressure, while the energy line has added invaluable depth and tempo. Against St. Louis, the Flyers scored twice, thanks to sustained pressure and the willingness to go to the high-danger areas.
Related: Flyers' Constant Line Shuffling Stalls Offensive Chemistry
Against the Bruins, the Flyers will be facing a team known for its defensive acumen, but this shouldn’t be a reason to hold back. By applying pressure early, creating scrambles around the net, and taking advantage of the power play, the Flyers can make Boston uncomfortable and potentially capitalize on turnovers.
Building On Their Best Hockey Yet
While the Flyers still have work to do to fully turn the corner, their recent performances represent their most cohesive play this season. Head coach John Tortorella’s focus on accountability and a hard-working mentality seems to be paying off, with each player committed to playing their role effectively. There’s a spark within the team that has been steadily building—a sense of belief that is starting to translate into wins.
But consistency is key. Facing a strong Boston team for the second time in a week, the Flyers have a chance to show that their recent successes are not just a fluke. To keep this momentum rolling, the Flyers will need to continue playing fast, focused hockey, where each line brings energy and every shift counts.
Projected Lines
Philadelphia Flyers
Forwards:
Travis Konecny - Sean Couturier - Matvei Michkov
Owen Tippett - Morgan Frost - Tyson Foerster
Joel Farabee - Scott Laughton - Bobby Brink
Noah Cates - Ryan Poehling - Garnet Hathaway
Defense:
Travis Sanheim - Rasmus Ristolainen
Nick Seeler - Jamie Drysdale
Emil Andrae - Erik Johnson
Starting Goalie:
Sam Ersson
Boston Bruins
Forwards:
John Beecher - Pavel Zacha - David Pastrnak
Brad Marchand - Elias Lindholm - Mark Kastelic
Max Jones - Charlie Coyle - Cole Koepke
Trent Frederic - Matthew Poitras - Justin Brazeau
Defense:
Mason Lohrei - Charlie McAvoy
Hampus Lindholm - Brandon Carlo
Nikita Zadorov - Andrew Peeke
Starting Goalie:
Jeremy Swayman
Recent Flyers News
Flyers Goalie Is Starting To Impress Big Time
Matvei Michkov Named NHL Rookie Of The Month
Three Takeaways From Flyers Win vs. Blues
Ex-Flyers Defenseman On Fire With New Team
Ex-Flyers Forward Signs With New Club
Gameday 11 Preview: Flyers vs. Blues
Flyers Miss Out On Interesting Trade Target
Promising Flyers Prospect Out Multiple Weeks
Flyers Goalie Shares Powerful Message After Big Win
Flyers Franchise Value Soars In New Report; Ranked Top 10 In NHL
