Isaiah, Chef, and Dan break down the Flyers’ elimination of the Pittsburgh Penguins following their Game 6 overtime victory. The panel examines how the Flyers established early momentum in the series and ultimately held off the Penguins’ late resurgence to advance to the second round against the Carolina Hurricanes.

They also review Games 4 and 5, highlighting standout performances from players such as Sean Couturier, Travis Sanheim, goaltender Dan Vladar, and Game 6 hero Cam York. The discussion also covers the ups and downs of Matvei Michkov, Tyson Foerster’s slump, the strategic approach of head coach Rick Tocchet, and a preview of the upcoming series against Carolina.

Trevor Zegras and Cam York rang the ceremonial bell before the Philadelphia 76ers’ Game 6 against the Boston Celtics on Thursday night.

This was a cross-sport Philly collaboration. York, a defenseman, was the hero of the Flyers’ recent Game 6 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins (scoring the game-winner), so he and teammate/forward Trevor Zegras were invited to hype up the crowd at the Xfinity Mobile Arena.

They took turns striking the large Liberty Bell replica at midcourt with the mallet as fans cheered. Videos show Zegras giving a solid hit, while York’s was a bit lighter—leading to some jokes online about whether he’d toss the hammer into the stands (he didn’t).

The 76ers posted about it on social media with the caption “ring us in,

It was a fun pre-game moment during the Sixers’ must-win playoff game against the Boston Celtics. Philly sports crossover energy—hockey guys firing up the basketball crowd!

The Flyers will play the Carolina Hurricanes in game 1 on Saturday May 2 at 8pm.

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Flyers’ Head Coach Rick Tocchet spoke glowingly about the closeness of the Flyers group right after last night’s series-clinching overtime victory over the Penguins.In his postgame comments, Tocchet highlighted how tight-knit the team is:

“This is one of the tightest groups for me — even as a coach, even as a player. It’s very, very tight. I’m around them a lot. About eight to nine guys going to dinner. Yeah, it’s a close group.”

Tocchet emphasized that the chemistry and bond among the players (many of whom are young and around the same age) has been a big factor in their resilience this season and especially during these playoffs. Tocchet noted that he has “nothing to do with it” — the closeness was already there before he arrived, and the group has stuck together through the ups and downs.

This kind of locker-room chemistry has shown up in their ability to battle through a hard-fought series, stay even-keeled, and come through in big moments like Cam York’s overtime winner.

It’s classic Tocchet — straightforward, no-nonsense praise for the players’ character while keeping the focus on what’s next (likely the Carolina Hurricanes in round 2). Flyers fans are loving these vibes: a young, hungry, genuinely close group that plays hard for each other. It’s been a big part of why they’ve exceeded expectations this year.

How are you feeling about the team’s chemistry heading into the next round?

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Dan Vladar was straight-up elite last night. Vladar became the fifth goaltender in franchise history to earn a series-clinching shutout.

For his efforts, Vladar made the fourth-most saves in a series-clinching shutout win over the past 70 years, per NHL Stats. “There was never a doubt. If somebody had a doubt that’s their problem. Good things happen to good people. There are good people in here, so we deserve this,” Vladar said in his post game presser.

In game 6 against the Pittsburgh Penguins, he delivered a 42 save shutout in a 1-0 overtime win for the Flyers, clinching the series and sending Philly to the second round. That was a monster performance—especially after a tougher Game 5. Vladar faced heavy pressure (Penguins outshot them badly at times), stood tall on every chance, and was the difference-maker.

Flyers fans have to be loving this version of Vladar right now. He basically put the team on his back. What a way to close out the series!!!

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Matvei Michkov will most likely play tonight. He was a healthy scratch for the Flyers in Game 5 of their first-round playoff series against the Pittsburgh Penguins (Flyers lead the series 3-2).

Quick Context:

• Michkov has struggled badly in the playoffs so far: 0 points, very low ice time, and minimal impact through the first five games.
• The Flyers scratched him for Game 5 (Alex Bump took his spot) and it looks like the change is not carrying over. It appears, at least from morning skate, that he will be in the lineup tonight/
• Head Coach Rick Tocchet has been shaking up the forward group, and Michkov has been skating with the extras rather than a regular line.

The game is tonight at 7:30 PM ET on TNT (Penguins host). The Flyers are trying to close out the series in Pittsburgh without him in the lineup right now. Michkov had a solid regular season, but the playoffs have been a tough adjustment so far. Expect him to fight for a spot if the series goes longer.

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Dan Vladar and the Flyers are in the thick of a first-round playoff series against the Pittsburgh Penguins, trying to close it out and “right the ship” after dropping Game 5.

Regular Season Performance

Vladar, the 28-year-old Czech goaltender (6’5, from Prague), signed a two-year, $6.7M deal ($3.35M AAV) with the Flyers as a free agent on July 1, 2025, after time with the Boston Bruins and Calgary Flames. Many viewed it skeptically given his prior pedestrian numbers, but he delivered a strong bounce-back 2025-26 season as the clear No. 1 starter:

• 52 games (51 starts): 29-14-7 record, 2.42 GAA, .906 SV%, +11.42 GSAA.
• Career highs in wins, GAA, and Save Percentage. He provided stability the Flyers had been missing in net.

Vladar earned praise for stepping up, with strong stretches (e.g., 8-3-1 with a 2.17 GAA and .912 Save Percentage from mid-March) and was even named to Czechia’s roster for the 2026 Olympics.Playoff Series So Far (vs. Penguins). The Flyers entered the playoffs on a good note and took a commanding 3-0 series lead in the Eastern Conference first round. Vladar started every game and was outstanding early on:

• Through the first three games: 3-0, 1.33 GAA, .946 Save Percentage (including a shutout in Game 2).
• He shook off some “banged up” concerns (missed a practice, described as maintenance) and kept playing effectively, earning “Vladdy!” chants.

Game 5 was a setback: The Flyers lost 3-2, with Vladar allowing a late, unfortunate goal (puck off the back of his leg/trickling in after a misplay or ricochet) that broke a 2-2 tie. He made 18 saves in the loss. Some fans and analysts pointed to fatigue, wear-and-tear from heavy minutes, or needing better defensive structure in front of him.

Now the Flyers head home for Game 6 (with anothee chance to clinch), and Flyers’ Head Coach Rick Tocchet has stuck with Vladar as the starter. There’s talk of lineup tweaks (e.g., Matvei Michkov out, others in) and emphasis on playing a smarter, more structured game to protect the net.

Outlook: Righting the Ship

Vladar has been the backbone—described as a “journeyman turned Olympian” and even a Bobby Clarke Team MVP candidate by some accounts. The Flyers aren’t dominating possession or shots every night, so his ability to steal games has been crucial. A key question is managing any lingering bumps (upper-body mentions in reports) without over-relying on backup Samuel Ersson.

Philly needs to tighten up defensively, limit odd-man rushes and high-danger chances, and convert their opportunities at home to avoid a Game 7. Vladar has shown mental toughness (bouncing back from soft goals) and has the size/athleticism to make the big saves when dialed in.It’s a winnable spot for the Flyers, but Pittsburgh has momentum from winning two straight (including that lucky bounce).

If Vladar returns to his early-series form and the team limits mistakes, they should be able to close it out. “Righting the ship” basically means refocusing on the identity that got them the 3-0 lead: structured play + elite goaltending.

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The Battle of Pennsylvania has been extra spicy this 2026 first-round playoff series. Flyers fans (and plenty of neutral observers) have been calling out the Penguins for crossing lines with physical play, especially when Pittsburgh starts trailing or getting frustrated.

• In Game 2 (April 22, 2026), things boiled over with multiple 10-minute misconducts late. Kris Letang was involved in a hit on Owen Tippett that many Flyers fans labeled as dirty/suspendable (late, high, or boarding-adjacent). Letang then took a swing at another Flyer and acted confused about the penalties.
• Other clips and postgame chatter pointed to Penguins players like Anthony Mantha throwing punches with the glove, cross-checks, and post-whistle stuff that looked intentional. Flyers broadcasts and fans described it as Penguins getting “super dirty” after getting outplayed and shut out 3-0.
• There’s also the classic Penguins reputation: veterans like Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang know how to agitate, embellish for calls, and play on the edge. When the younger, hungry Flyers (Tippett leading hits, Travis Konecny mucking) push back physically, Penguins sometimes respond with extra nastiness instead of skill.

That said, hockey rivalries like this are rarely one-sided. Both teams have history of chippy play—Flyers have their own Broad Street legacy, and this series has seen scrums, high sticks, and plenty of penalties going both ways. Penguins fans fire back that the Flyers are “rats” who bait and instigate.

Letang’s kid even called the Flyers the “definition of dirty” on social media. It’s the Pennsylvania way: hate each other, bleed for the logo.Flyers have looked strong early in the series (taking a lead at one point, with shutouts and physical dominance), which probably makes the Penguins’ response feel extra desperate and dirty.

It’s nothing like the Mantha upper cuts in game 5, or Malkin’s persistence to use is stick cheaply. Whatever the case may be, game 6 is Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m.

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Matvei Michkov (the highly touted young Russian forward) will likely be scratched/benched for Game 5, with Alex Bump taking his spot in the lineup.

Michkov had a strong regular season (leading the Flyers in scoring at one point post-Olympic break), but he’s been a non-factor in the playoffs so far — zero points through the first four games, limited ice time (e.g., just 11 minutes in Game 4), and visibly struggling with consistency, physicality, and defensive play.

Flyers’ Head Coach Rick Tocchet explained the decision as evaluating lines and giving players a reset when a unit (like Michkov’s with Noah Cates) isn’t producing enough. It’s not the first time Michkov has been benched this season or in prior years under previous coaches — it’s often framed as tough love for his development, though it’s sparking plenty of fan debate (some calling for patience with the young talent, others frustrated with the inconsistency).D

Dan Vladar Update

On the brighter side, goalie Dan Vladar has been a standout and remains positive despite a shaky Game 4 where he allowed a couple of tough goals (including one off a blunder).

Vladar’s been excellent overall in the playoffs (strong save percentage, shutout in Game 2), and he’s locked in as the starter for Game 5. His upbeat attitude and steadiness have been a backbone for the team amid the offensive inconsistencies.

This series has been tight and gritty — Flyers are fighting to stay alive in what looks like a rebuilding-year push with some veteran help. Michkov’s benching is a short-term message, but the long-term hope is he bounces back stronger. Game 5 in Pittsburgh should be intense.

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Isaiah and Chef are joined by Anthony Mingioni (hockeyhotstove.com) to analyze the quarterfinal series between the Philadelphia Flyers and the Pittsburgh Penguins through three games, with the Flyers surging to a 3–0 series lead. The panel breaks down how the Flyers established early momentum and what adjustments the Penguins may need to make to avoid elimination.

They also review each game and highlight standout performances from players such as Sean Couturier, Porter Martone, Owen Tippett, Travis Sanheim, and Goaltender Dan Vladar, while identifying areas of concern and players who may be underperforming or facing reduced roles.

In the final segment, Anthony DiMarco from dailyfaceoff.com joins us to discuss whether the Flyers can sustain their momentum and close out the series or if the Penguins are positioned to extend the matchup.

Dan Vladar is confirmed as the starting Goaltender for the Flyers in Game 4 of their first-round Stanley Cup playoff series against the Pittsburgh Penguins tonight.

The Flyers lead the series 3-0 after strong performances from Vladar, who has started all three games. In the playoffs so far, he’s posted a 1.33 GAA and .946 save percentage, helping Philly take a commanding lead.

Quick Context on Vladar and the Series

• Regular Season (2025-26): Vladar went 29-14-7 in 52 games with a 2.42 GAA and .906 SV%. He signed a 2-year, $6.7M deal with the Flyers in July 2025 after time with Calgary and has been their clear Number One goalie all year.
• Recent Injury Note: He took some hits (including one late in Game 3) and missed practice earlier in the week, described as “a little banged up” or maintenance-related. However, he participated in warmups/skate and was officially named the starter. If he couldn’t go, backup Samuel Ersson was the next man up.
• Flyers Season: They finished 43-27-12 (3rd in Metro, 8th in East) and clinched playoffs late. This matchup is a Metropolitan Division clash with Pittsburgh.

Vladar has been a big reason for Philly’s success—he’s stepping up big in his first real NHL starting role and first playoff run.

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