Gameday 37 Preview: Flyers vs. Kings

The Philadelphia Flyers head into the second game of a back-to-back on their west coast road trip, taking on the Los Angeles Kings at Crypto.com Arena.

While the Flyers are riding high after a 3-1 win against the Anaheim Ducks, the challenge of facing a formidable Kings team on short rest looms large.

View the original article to see embedded media.

The Back-to-Back Challenge

Back-to-backs are never easy for any NHL team, and the Flyers have struggled with them this season. Fatigue, both mental and physical, often creeps in during the latter stages of the second game, and it’s particularly challenging when the opponent is as disciplined and aggressive as the Kings.

In their last meeting, the Kings outmatched the Flyers with their structured play, physicality, and ability to exploit turnovers. The Flyers will need to find a way to push through the inevitable exhaustion and stay sharp for a full 60 minutes. Expect head coach John Tortorella to emphasize the importance of managing energy levels and avoiding unnecessary mistakes, especially against a Kings team that thrives on capitalizing in transition.

How the Flyers approach this game—mentally and tactically—will be crucial. They’ll need to rely on their depth to distribute ice time and maintain a high compete level throughout.

Depth Scorers Need to Stay Hot

The Flyers’ win against the Ducks showcased the importance of their depth scoring. Noah Cates continued his impressive scoring streak, extending it to five games, while Joel Farabee and Morgan Frost added goals of their own.

Cates, in particular, has been a revelation, stepping up as one of the Flyers’ most consistent and reliable forwards. His ability to drive play, make smart decisions with the puck, and contribute in all zones has been a huge asset for the team. Against the Kings, who boast a strong defensive core, the Flyers will need players like Cates, Farabee, and Frost to stay hot and continue generating offense from unexpected areas.

Additionally, Matvei Michkov’s recent point drought will be a storyline to watch. The 20-year-old phenom has been quieter than usual as he adjusts to the rigors of an NHL schedule, but tonight’s game offers an opportunity for him to break through. If Michkov can rediscover his confidence and energy, he could be a difference-maker in this matchup.

Pushing Back Against a Tough Opponent

The Kings are one of the league’s most physically imposing teams, unafraid to engage in battles along the boards and dominate the middle of the ice. The Flyers struggled to match that intensity in their last meeting, often getting caught in their own zone or failing to generate sustained offensive pressure.

This time around, the Flyers will need to match the Kings’ aggression while maintaining discipline. It’s a fine balance—being physical without taking unnecessary penalties, staying aggressive without overcommitting, and keeping composure under pressure.

Projected Lines

Philadelphia Flyers

Forwards:

Scott Laughton - Sean Couturier - Travis Konecny

Owen Tippett - Morgan Frost - Matvei Michkov

Tyson Foerster - Noah Cates - Bobby Brink

Joel Farabee - Ryan Poehling - Garnet Hathaway

Defense:

Cam York - Travis Sanheim

Nick Seeler - Rasmus Ristolainen

Egor Zamula - Jamie Drysdale

Starting Goalie:

Aleksei Kolosov

Los Angeles Kings

Forwards:

Alex Turcotte - Anze Kopitar - Adrian Kempe

Warren Foegele - Quinton Byfield - Tanner Jeannot

Kevin Fiala - Phillip Danault - Alex Laferriere

Kyle Burroughs - Samuel Helenius - Akil Thomas

Defense:

Mikey Anderson - Vladislav Gavrikov

Joel Edmundson - Brandt Clarke

Jacob Moverare - Jordan Spence

Starting Goalie:

David Rittich

Related: Oliver Bonk Continues To Prove Why He's A Vital Piece Of Flyers Future

Related: Insiders Connect Big Flyers Defender To 2 Teams

Related: Flyers Call Up Promising Forward Prospect