Yahoo Sports Gameday 16 Preview: Flyers vs. Sharks
As the Philadelphia Flyers head into tonight's matchup against the San Jose Sharks, they will be looking to build momentum following their most recent road trip, where they give some promising performances, despite not having all of the results move in their favor.
With key lineup adjustments, the Flyers are hoping to make the most of this contest against a team with a 5-9-2 record but are well aware of the risk of underestimating any opponent.
Matvei Michkov Returns To The Lineup
After a couple of games as a healthy scratch, Matvei Michkov returns to the Flyers' lineup tonight. Head coach John Tortorella has emphasized a need for Michkov to learn the game from an outside perspective at times, helping him adjust to the physicality and demands of the NHL.
With Michkov back, fans can expect his high-level vision and creativity to bolster the Flyers' offense. His return will be particularly important against the Sharks, as his playmaking ability and energy can help break down a San Jose defense that has struggled to keep up with faster opponents.
Not to mention that it will be extremely entertaining to see the 19-year-old face off against the Sharks' exciting young players in this year's first overall draft pick Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith, who was drafted fourth overall in 2023 (Michkov would be drafted seventh that same year).
Related: Siobhan's Opinion: There Was Massive Overreaction To Flyers Benching Matvei Michkov
Andrae's Rise And Frost's Absence
While Jamie Drysdale sits out tonight due to being "dinged up," the Flyers defense will take plenty of comfort in knowing that Emil Andrae can cover them as he continues to impress the organization.
Andrae has been strong in his defensive play and invaluable on the first powerplay unit, bringing a palpable energy with his quick decision-making and precise puck distribution. His calm under pressure and ability to create offense from the back end will be crucial tonight, especially against a Sharks team prone to turnovers and defensive lapses.
Megan DeRuchie-The Hockey News
Meanwhile, Morgan Frost is a healthy scratch, marking a noteworthy decision by Tortorella. After a quiet start to the season, Frost will watch from the press box as the Flyers evaluate alternative lineup options. In Frost's absence, Anthony Richard and Ryan Poehling will be relied upon to bring more depth and speed to the lineup.
Both players bring versatility and a forechecking presence that can help the Flyers control the pace of the game, especially against a Sharks team that has shown vulnerability when pressed in their own zone.
Avoiding The Trap Game Mentality
Though the Sharks have struggled mightily this season, the Flyers aren't underestimating them. They know that a game against a floundering team can easily turn into a trap game if they lose focus.
For the Flyers, consistency and intensity will be the focus, especially now that they're at home for six of their next seven games. They'll need to play a full 60 minutes to ensure they come away with points.
If Michkov can reintegrate smoothly, Andrae continues his stellar play, and the depth forwards bring energy to capitalize on the Sharks' weaknesses, the Flyers could be in for a morale-boosting win. This game marks a moment for the team to continue trending upward and prove they're really shaking off the "bad puck luck" narrative that has lingered through recent matchups.
Projected Lines
Philadelphia Flyers
Forwards:
Owen Tippett - Sean Couturier - Travis Konecny
Joel Farabee - Scott Laughton - Bobby Brink
Anthony Richard - Ryan Poehling - Matvei Michkov
Tyson Foerster - Noah Cates - Garnet Hathaway
Defense:
Emil Andrae - Travis Sanheim
Nick Seeler - Rasmus Ristolainen
Egor Zamula - Erik Johnson
Starting Goalie:
Sam Ersson
San Jose Sharks
Forwards:
Mikael Granlund - Macklin Celebrini - Tyler Toffoli
William Eklund - Alexander Wennberg - Fabian Zetterlund
Barclay Goodrow - Will Smith - Luke Kunin
Carl Grundstrom - Nico Sturm - Ty Dellandrea
Defense:
Mario Ferraro - Cody Ceci
Jack Thompson - Jan Rutta
Henry Thrun - Timothy Liljegren
Starting Goalie:
Vitek Vanecek
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