Gameday 56 Preview: Flyers vs. Penguins

As the Philadelphia Flyers prepare to host the Pittsburgh Penguins in their last game before the 4-Nations break, they’re eager to break a five-game losing streak.

Despite their recent struggles, the team has battled hard in every contest, including a gut-wrenching overtime loss to the Washington Capitals on Thursday. Tonight presents a critical opportunity to reset and head into the break on a positive note.

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Debut Time for Andrei Kuzmenko

One of the biggest developments for the Flyers heading into tonight’s matchup is the debut of Andrei Kuzmenko, who has been cleared to play after joining the team via trade. Kuzmenko, known for his dynamic offensive skill set and ability to make plays in tight spaces, could provide an immediate boost to a Flyers offense that has struggled to find consistency.

Kuzmenko’s arrival brings versatility to the top six. His creativity and puck-handling skills should complement linemates who thrive on aggressive forechecking and fast-paced play. Whether deployed alongside Sean Couturier for a more defensively responsible unit or paired with younger, more offensive-minded players like Matvei Michkov or Tyson Foerster, Kuzmenko has the potential to unlock scoring opportunities.

Head coach John Tortorella will likely ease Kuzmenko into the lineup, but the winger’s offensive instincts could make an immediate impact on the power play and in transition. His ability to read the ice and create chances for both himself and his teammates is something the Flyers have been missing during this rough stretch of games.

Jakob Pelletier Still in Limbo

While Kuzmenko’s debut is a bright spot, the Flyers will be without newly acquired forward Jakob Pelletier, who remains sidelined due to ongoing paperwork issues. Pelletier, who was excited to join the Flyers and bring his relentless energy to the ice, now faces a frustrating delay.

“Honestly, I’m just happy to be here,” Pelletier said after morning skate on Saturday. “You’ve gotta control what you can control and [the paperwork] is out of my hands. I’m just excited and really happy to be here.”

Philadelphia Flyers forward Jakob Pelletier (22) during practice at the Flyers Training Center on Feb. 7, 2025.

Megan DeRuchie-The Hockey News

Pelletier’s absence is a blow to the Flyers’ forward depth, as his versatility and tenacity could have added a spark to the lineup. With a self-described “dog on a bone” mentality, Pelletier excels in high-pressure situations and is willing to do the gritty work along the boards and in front of the net. Flyers fans will need to wait a bit longer to see what he can bring to the team, but his eventual debut promises to be worth the anticipation.

Overcoming Pittsburgh’s Depth

One fortunate break for the Flyers is the likely absence of Penguins captain Sidney Crosby, who has been dealing with an upper-body injury. Crosby’s absence undoubtedly changes the dynamic of the Penguins’ attack, as he remains one of the most dominant and cerebral players in the game.

However, the Penguins are far from a one-man show. Their depth and ability to roll multiple lines make them a dangerous opponent regardless of who’s in the lineup. Anthony Beauvillier and Cody Glass provide a sharp offensive edge, while Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust are also capable of stepping up in Crosby’s absence, while Pittsburgh’s blue line, led by Kris Letang, remains a significant threat in both the offensive and defensive zones.

One area the Flyers will need to prioritize is neutral zone play. The Penguins thrive on quick transitions and have the ability to catch teams off guard with their speed through the middle of the ice. Maintaining structure in the neutral zone and preventing odd-man rushes will be critical for the Flyers if they want to contain Pittsburgh’s attack.

Additionally, winning battles along the boards and maintaining possession in the offensive zone will be key to keeping the Penguins on their heels. The Flyers demonstrated flashes of strong forechecking in their recent game against Washington but need to sustain that pressure for a full 60 minutes to come out on top tonight.