The Flyers have just about hit the halfway point of the preseason, and have finally made it back to Philly for a bit of action. Their first home game came against the New York Islanders, and in a lot of ways it felt like a very typical game against the New York Islanders — lopsided at times, tight checking, and yes, low scoring. But when things broke open for them, did they ever break open in a fun way. Let’s get right into it.
The Basics
First period: No scoring
Second period: No scoring
Third period: 4:36- Erik Johnson (York, Michkov), 18:57- Matvei Michkov (unassisted) EN
SOG: 36 (NYI) – 26 (PHI)
Some Takeaways
The kids are buzzing
This was not a huge offensive outpouring for either side, but that certainly wasn’t for lack of trying. The Flyers got a good number of chances from up and down the lineup alike, but one line in particular that showed some real jump was the trio of Tyson Foerster, Jett Luchanko, and Travis Konecny. The mix of speed and tenacity along the boards each of these players brings to the mix was working well, and these three showed some definite chemistry, and were able to combine for a handful of really nice chances. Equally, we had a few moments early when Luchanko looked human, looked like a teenager playing in an NHL game and a little out of his depth, but he adjusted nicely as the game went on. It was a good reminder that he still has a lot of maturing to do, and that we shouldn’t jump the gun with him, but the potential there is still so clear.
A bit of contrast
Another interesting lineup wrinkle we saw in action was Emil Andrae continuing to be pair with returning veteran Erik Johnson. We saw this a bit in the practice and scrimmage sessions during camp, and it felt notable just for the fact that Andrae was getting regular reps in with an NHL regular, and spoke well of his status in the eyes of the coaching staff.
In practice, that is, in game action, the pairing worked together very well. Andrae looked much more settled in than he did when we first saw him back in the rookie games, and having him play alongside a steadier veteran presence seems to have alleviated some of the pressure that he can look saddled with to do everything and be The Guy at all times. He was able to get back to the basics of his game in this one, and he really popped for it — his passing looked sharp, he was much steadier in his one-on-one coverages, and his puck management on the whole was tidier. He still has a long way to go to lock himself into a roster spot, but this was exactly the game he needed to have to get himself on that track.
Goaltending stalemate
As we said, there remained a good amount of chances generated for both sides, and the fact that this game stayed scoreless for as long as it did, and as low scoring broadly as it did, is a testament to the goaltending efforts. On the Flyers’ side, Sam Ersson, in his preseason debut, looked locked in right from the jump. The Islanders managed a few flurries of action and really seemed to be knocking on the door, but Ersson neutralized their chances and made it look easy. All told, he made it a 36-save shutout to kick off his preseason.
And this, it goes without saying, is good news. Ersson stumbled at the end of last season, and we’re hoping to see here that this was just a result of overuse and fatigue, and that he’ll be right again as the season begins. And while it’s only been one game, but we’re off to a good start.
Michkov Watch
And last but certainly not least, if you missed the game and are just wondering what Matvei Michkov got up to in this one, the answer is, well, a lot!
Michkov, playing alongside Morgan Frost and Owen Tippett, was one of the playmaking standouts of this game. He was keeping pace with his quick linemates well, we saw his puck protection to extend plays really shining, and the deception in his passing was impossible not to be wowed by. In fact, there were so many moments that we’re not going to bog you down with description, we’re going right to the clips.
We saw his trying some of these no-look passes and finding his teammates in motion, and even if the move didn’t work the first time around…
The trick, the bounce as it were, of a setup went his way before long.
And while his playmaking was a standout in this game, it wasn’t the only part of his game clicking well. We saw him generating some individual offense nicely, with a couple of very good chances on goal. And once again, even though this chance didn’t go his way…
The universe had a way of evening things out for him in the end, and we saw him pick up his first goal of the preseason on the empty netter to seal the game. How can you not be excited for the season watching all of this unfold?
All stats via Natural Stat Trick and NHL.com
