Instant reactions: Michkov, Bump pull Flyers within one point of Islanders for Metropolitan 3-seed
Watch PHLY Flyers Postgame After losing consecutive games in regulation, the Philadelphia Flyers are nearing must-win territory with seven games remaining in the regular season. And on Friday night, the...
Jan 24, 2025; Elmont, New York, USA; Philadelphia Flyers right wing Matvei Michkov (39) fights with New York Islanders center Mathew Barzal (13) during the second period at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images Watch PHLY Flyers Postgame After losing consecutive games in regulation, the Philadelphia Flyers are nearing must-win territory with seven games remaining in the regular season. And on Friday night, the Orange & Black gave the type of effort that leads fans to believe they can pull this off and make the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2020.
Alex Bump, Matvei Michkov and Travis Sanheim were the standout skaters, while Dan Vladar stopped 19 of 20 in the final 40 minutes to seal a much-needed victory. Matthew Schaefer was everywhere, but Philly’s depth stood out, with Trevor Zegras hobbled in the final two periods and two players who skated fewer than 12 minutes putting up multi-point games in a HUGE win in Long Island. First period Highlight: OWEN TIPPETT SCORES TO PUT THE FLYERS UP 1-0!
After a lot of pressure and some chances thwarted by Ilya Sorokin , the Flyers were leading in shots 8-1 but hadn’t broken through, until Owen Tippett made a play at the Flyers blueline to create a turnover, moving the puck across the neutral zone to Travis Sanheim to start a 2-on-1 and Sanheim found Tippett again on the right side, allowing Tippett just enough space to cut in front of Sorokin and score . Just over a minute later Alex Bump, returning to the lineup after two games in the press box, uncorks a laser beam stepping off the left wing wall, beating Sorokin over his far shoulder for the 2-0 lead . What I want to see next period: MORE!
I would love to see them keep adding to this and leave no doubt. They need a convincing regulation win for the vibes, and to maybe put more doubt in the Isles’ minds while they cling to a playoff spot of their own. Beyond that, it would be great to see Trevor Zegras come back and look like himself after leaving for the locker room late in the first after an open ice hit.