Gameday 35 Preview: Flyers vs. Penguins

The Philadelphia Flyers head to western Pennsylvania to take on their storied rivals, the Pittsburgh Penguins, for the first time this season.

Coming off a thrilling 5-4 overtime win against the Columbus Blue Jackets, the Flyers are looking to carry their offensive momentum into this matchup while balancing the demands of what has been an intense December schedule.

With the NHL’s holiday break looming and a lengthy road trip on the horizon, this game offers an opportunity for the Flyers to cement some positivity before the calendar flips to 2025.

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Offensive Depth Continues to Fuel the Flyers

The Flyers’ offense has been nothing short of dynamic in recent weeks. In their overtime victory against the Blue Jackets, Owen Tippett, Morgan Frost, Tyson Foerster, and Noah Cates all contributed to the scoresheet, highlighting the team’s depth scoring. Tippett, in particular, has been a revelation, combining skill and assertiveness to create chances at critical moments, including the overtime game-winner on Saturday.

Philadelphia Flyers forward Noah Cates (27) against Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (8) at the Wells Fargo Center.

Megan DeRuchie-The Hockey News

This offensive versatility has been a hallmark of the Flyers’ season. Instead of relying on a singular star, they’ve leaned on contributions from up and down the lineup. Frost’s resurgence has been particularly notable, with the young center finding his stride as both a playmaker and a goal-scorer. Meanwhile, Foerster and Cates have solidified their roles as consistent offensive threats, demonstrating maturity and pose in high-pressure situations.

Against the Penguins, a team known for their high-octane attack led by the evergreen Sidney Crosby, the Flyers’ ability to generate offense from multiple lines will be crucial. Pittsburgh’s defense, while formidable, has shown vulnerabilities, especially when tasked with quick transitions. If the Flyers can leverage their offensive depth and capitalize on opportunities, they stand a strong chance of matching the Penguins’ firepower.

Sam Ersson Stays in Net

Sam Ersson will once again get the nod in goal, as John Tortorella continues to lean on the young Swedish netminder. While Ersson’s performance against Columbus had him wanting some goals back, he made several key saves in high-danger sotuations that kept the Flyers competitive.

“They bailed me out…I owed them a couple. It’s all about finding ways to win.”

—Sam Ersson on the goal support from his offense tonight #LetsGoFlyers

— Siobhan Nolan (@SGNolan) December 22, 2024

Ersson’s ability to rebound from tough outings will be tested against a Penguins lineup that features some of the league’s most experienced offensive weapons. Crosby remains the heartbeat of Pittsburgh’s attack, orchestrating plays with precision and creativity, while Evgeni Malkin provides a physical, dynamic presence in the offensive zone. making it clear that Ersson will need to be sharp from the opening puck drop.

Managing Energy and Momentum Before the Holiday Break

This game marks the Flyers’ final contest before the NHL’s holiday break, followed by a grueling road trip that won’t see them return to Wells Fargo Center until January 7. With this in mind, maintaining energy and focus will be paramount.

The Flyers have shown remarkable resilience and effort through their recent stretch of games, but the schedule has taken its toll. Against Columbus, the team came alive in the third period, but there were moments earlier in the game where fatigue seemed to creep in. Back-to-back games and a physically demanding style of play have tested the Flyers’ endurance, and managing those factors against a well-rested Penguins team will be critical.

Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Jamie Drysdale (9) during a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets at the Wells Fargo Center.

Megan DeRuchie-The Hockey News

John Tortorella has emphasized the importance of finishing strong before the break, framing these four games leading up to the holidays as a defining stretch. After splitting the first two and clinching an overtime win against Columbus, the Flyers have a chance to leave for the break on a high note with a win in Pittsburgh.

To do so, they’ll need to balance aggression with discipline, ensuring that they stay out of the penalty box while maintaining the high-energy forecheck that has become their hallmark. This game is as much about setting the tone for the road trip as it is about securing two points. A strong showing against their rivals could provide a boost of confidence that carries over into January.