Gameday 44 Preview: Flyers vs. Blue Jackets

The Philadelphia Flyers head into Columbus riding a wave of momentum, fresh off a dominant 6-0 shutout over the Anaheim Ducks and a thrilling 4-3 comeback victory against the Florida Panthers.

Despite a traditionally rough history with back-to-back games, the Flyers look poised to defy expectations, channeling their recent energy into sustained success.

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Carrying Serious Momentum

It’s been an emotional and physically demanding stretch for the Flyers, but they’re thriving under pressure. Their 6-0 win against Anaheim was a complete performance, featuring contributions from all over the lineup, including a power-play goal (and dynamic celebration) from Matvei Michkov and stellar defense.

They followed that up with a gritty comeback win over the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers, where Noah Cates stole the show with two goals.

While back-to-back games often test a team’s stamina and focus, the Flyers seem to be drawing strength from their recent success. Rather than showing signs of fatigue, the team appears energized and confident.

Players have repeatedly emphasized their belief in each other, and it’s translating into more consistent efforts on the ice. The Blue Jackets will certainly be a challenge, but this Flyers team has momentum on its side.

Noah Cates Leading the Charge

Noah Cates has emerged as a critical offensive driver for the Flyers, particularly in their last two wins. With 14 points in his last 15 games, including a two-goal performance against Florida, Cates is making an undeniable impact on both ends of the ice.

What makes Cates such a standout is his versatility. He’s not just producing offensively—he’s also anchoring the team’s defensive responsibilities, playing key roles in shutting down opposing top lines. Against the Panthers, his power-play goal was a perfectly executed display of hockey IQ, finding space and capitalizing on a quick passing sequence.

Heading into Columbus, Cates will likely be a focal point again. His ability to drive play and adapt to any situation will be crucial against a Blue Jackets team that, while struggling this season, has shown the capability to surprise stronger opponents.

Special Teams Turning a Corner?

The Flyers’ powerplay, long a source of frustration, is finally starting to click. Back-to-back games with multiple power-play goals—against the Ducks and Panthers—highlight a shift in approach that’s paying dividends. Players are moving the puck faster, creating better lanes, and showing a willingness to take risks in high-danger areas.

This newfound efficiency comes at a critical time. Special teams are often the difference-makers in tight games, and the Flyers’ recent success in this area is a testament to their adaptability. The Blue Jackets, who rank near the bottom of the league in penalty killing, present an opportunity for the Flyers to keep building on their progress.

On the other side of special teams, the Flyers’ penalty kill remains strong, thanks in part to smart defensive plays and timely saves. Sam Ersson, who’s likely to start again, has been solid in net, giving the Flyers the confidence they need to play aggressively without fear of costly mistakes.

Projected Lines

Philadelphia Flyers

Forwards:

Tyson Foerster - Noah Cates - Bobby Brink

Owen Tippett - Morgan Frost - Travis Konecny

Olle Lycksell - Sean Couturier - Matvei Michkov

Scott Laughton - Ryan Poehling - Garnet Hathaway

Defense:

Cam York - Travis Sanheim

Egor Zamula - Rasmus Ristolainen

Nick Seeler - Jamie Drysdale

Starting Goalie:

Ivan Fedotov

Columbus Blue Jackets

Forwards:

Dmitri Voronkov - Adam Fantilli - Kirill Marchenko

James van Riemsdyk - Cole Sillinger - Kent Johnson

Zach Aston-Reese - Luca Del Bel Belluz - Mathieu Olivier

Mikael Pyyhtia - Sean Kuraly - Kevin Labanc

Defense:

Zach Werenski - Dante Fabbro

Denton Mateychuk - Ivan Provorov

Jake Christiansen - Damon Severson

Starting Goalie:

Daniil Tarasov

Related: Why The Tyson Foerster, Noah Cates & Bobby Brink Line Is Thriving For The Flyers

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Related: Egor Zamula Confident in Where Power Play is Headed