Instant reactions: Owen Tippett leads gutsy Flyers to third straight win

Mar 11, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Flyers right wing Owen Tippett (74) reaches for the puck against the Washington Capitals in the first period at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images Watch PHLY Flyers Postgame The Philadelphia Flyers are a tired hockey team. On the third game of a late-season west coast road trip with a short-handed lineup, the Orange & Black visited Macklin Celebrini and the San Jose Sharks on Saturday evening, in what was a more-physical-than-expected contest that saw a couple of fights, a number of big hits, and a bunch of long scrums and battles along the boards.

Owen Tippett continued his strong run, playing noticeably throughout the game, using his speed and handles to create a number of chances, cashing one in to open the game’s scoring. Christian Dvorak ended a long drought of his own, as well as for the whole team’s power play. Dvo hadn’t scored in 8 games and had only tallied once in his last 19 before scoring the go-ahead goal in the third on the power play, ending an 0/20.

With a couple of empty-netters to end the game, and a very strong final 20 minutes from Dan Vladar, the Flyers wrap up their California adventure with three straight wins, and didn’t even need OT to do it today! First period Highlight: There were a few exciting Owen Tippett sequences, including a pair of short-handed chances that didn’t quite go, plus a big hit or two on Macklin Celebrini, but I’m giving the highlight of the period to Garrett Wilson. Playing in his second NHL game since 2019, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms did what he could to inspire his exhausted teammates, dropping the gloves with Ryan Reaves .

Decent scrap, especially considering the combined age of the combatants was 74. I’ll give the slight edge to Reaves, but Wilson stood in there and landed a few. Good stuff.