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Gameday 46 Preview: Flyers vs. Devils

The Flyers head to Prudential Center riding a four-game point streak, buoyed by a resilient and relentless style of play that has kept them in contention even in challenging games.

Facing a New Jersey Devils team that has been one of the Metropolitan Division’s most formidable, though inconsistent, squads this season, the Flyers will need to rely on their offensive momentum, defensive structure, and collective depth to keep rolling.

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Finding Ways to Stay in Every Game

The Flyers’ current four-game point streak is a testament to their ability to remain competitive, even when the odds are stacked against them. Whether it’s battling back from a deficit or holding steady under pressure, this team has shown an uncanny ability to stay in games and force opponents to earn every point.

Philadelphia Flyers forward Noah Cates (27) celebrates a scoring a goal with his teammates at the Wells Fargo Center.<p>Megan DeRuchie-The Hockey News</p>
Philadelphia Flyers forward Noah Cates (27) celebrates a scoring a goal with his teammates at the Wells Fargo Center.

Megan DeRuchie-The Hockey News

In their last four outings, the Flyers have recorded a shutout against the Ducks, a gutsy comeback win over the Panthers, a hard-fought shootout loss to the Blue Jackets, and a statement victory against the Islanders. It’s been a stretch that highlights their resilience, a key factor heading into a matchup with a Devils team that thrives on speed and scoring.

While New Jersey boasts offensive firepower led by Nico Heschier and Jack Hughes, the Devils have shown cracks lately, posting a 3-4-3 record in their last ten games. If the Flyers can continue to capitalize on their ability to stay in games, they could take advantage of the Devils’ recent inconsistency.

Offense Keeps Rolling

The Flyers’ offense has been a revelation, consistently producing at a level that keeps them competitive against top-tier opponents. Over the past four games, contributions have come from up and down the lineup, with key players like Noah Cates, Morgan Frost, and Travis Konecny leading the charge.

Against the Devils, the offense will once again need to be sharp. New Jersey has a potent attack, but their defensive structure has been less reliable, allowing teams to exploit opportunities.

Even without Ryan Poehling in the lineup, the Flyers have the depth to compensate. Joel Farabee, coming off a strong performance against the Islanders, and Bobby Brink, who recently broke his scoring drought, are poised to step up.

Special teams could also play a critical role. The Flyers’ powerplay has still left something to be desired, but there's been an uptick in production on the man advantage, recording multiple goals in consecutive games recently. Generating offense against New Jersey’s penalty kill, which is currently top 10 in the league, won't be easy, but it could swing the momentum in their favor.

Devils Are Beatable, But Dangerous

The Devils may sit near the top of the Metro standings, but their recent form suggests they are not invincible. Consistency has been elusive, with the team dropping points in seven of their last ten games and struggling to string together dominant performances.

However, underestimating this Devils team would be a mistake. Jack Hughes remains one of the league’s most dynamic players, capable of tilting the ice with his speed and skill. Jesper Bratt and Nico Hischier add depth to an offense that ranks among the Metro's most potent when firing on all cylinders.

The Flyers’ defensive structure will be tested, but if they can limit time and space for New Jersey’s stars and lean on Sam Ersson’s steady goaltending, they could frustrate the Devils and force mistakes. While New Jersey boasts a 13-6-4 record at home, their recent struggles make them vulnerable, and the Flyers’ energy and relentlessness could allow them to exploit that.

Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Sam Ersson (33) against the Columbus Blue Jackets at the Wells Fargo Center on Dec. 21, 2024.<p>Megan DeRuchie-The Hockey News</p>
Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Sam Ersson (33) against the Columbus Blue Jackets at the Wells Fargo Center on Dec. 21, 2024.

Megan DeRuchie-The Hockey News

Projected Lines

Philadelphia Flyers

Forwards:

Owen Tippett - Morgan Frost - Travis Konecny

Tyson Foerster - Noah Cates - Bobby Brink

Joel Farabee - Sean Couturier - Matvei Michkov

Olle Lycksell - Scott Laughton - Garnet Hathaway

Defense:

Cam York - Travis Sanheim

Egor Zamula - Rasmus Ristolainen

Nick Seeler - Jamie Drysdale

Starting Goalie:

Sam Ersson

New Jersey Devils

Forwards:

Ondrej Palat - Jack Hughes - Jesper Bratt

Timo Meier - Nico Hischier - Dawson Mercer

Paul Cotter - Justin Dowling - Tomas Tatar

Kurtis MacDermid - Curtis Lazar - Nathan Bastian

Defense:

Brenden Dillon - Dougie Hamilton

Jonas Siegenthaler - Jonathan Kovacevic

Luke Hughes - Brett Pesce

Starting Goalie:

Jake Allen

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