The Philadelphia Flyers struggle for a period of time, which takes fans out of the game. Then, they get back into the groove and bring everyone back. So far in 2025, Flyers fans are out of it. They currently are 0-3-1 to begin the New Year and to me, there are little signs of improvement.
Take last night’s game against the Dallas Stars, for example. The whole team lacked energy and the moment they started setting up in the offensive zone and getting a great scoring chance, they turned the puck over. Morgan Frost gave the Flyers life in the third period after the puck took a lucky bounce off the boards behind the net but other than that, they struggled mightily.
Flyers lines
Head coach John Tortorella wants his guys to form chemistry and find ways to get going. However, it’s just not happening. He’s been throwing out the same lines game after game and not much chemistry has been forming. In my opinion, it’s time to switch the lines up a bit. With where the Flyers are position-wise, it can’t hurt.
Goaltending/Defense struggles
Goaltending has played a huge role in the recent slump the Flyers are in. They’re currently on a four-game losing streak and the goalies haven’t necessarily helped out much. Samuel Ersson has had trouble staying healthy and Aleksei Kolosov has been struggling as of late. Ivan Fedotov, on the other hand, has been the best of the three. He gave solid performances in both games against Toronto. While the statistics may prove otherwise, in my opinion, Fedotov should get more playing time with how well he’s played.
Don’t get me wrong, Flyers fans. The defense didn’t help Ersson out one bit in last night’s 4-1 loss to the Stars. This is another aspect the team needs to fix up. Defensive breakdowns have led to way too many goals this season. If the Flyers are going to flip the switch anytime soon in 2025, the goaltenders and defense are going to have to step it up.
Matvei Michkov
Everyone was so excited when the news broke that Michkov was heading to North America to join the Flyers. In all honesty, I’m still puzzled at how he dropped all the way to number seven in the 2023 NHL Draft. With the talent and IQ that he possesses, fans thought he was going to be way gone by then.
Michkov has had an up-and-down first season with the Flyers so far. While he easily could have 40 points on the season with the set of hands he has, the team just hasn’t been able to finish the plays he sets up. However, it would make sense to say that the team is getting used to the way he plays and will hopefully start finishing on the plays he starts.
On the other hand, Michkov has had his struggles. Flyers fans have to remember that he’s only a rookie and has plenty of growing to do. He is only 20 years old. Tortorella has made sure to keep him accountable for bad plays and will bench him if he sees fit. While Flyers fans may disagree with the benching or healthy scratching, we have to believe that he knows what’s best for Michkov and his play. Tortorella believes that it was great that the front office was able to get Michkov out here early to begin the coaching process.
The Flyers are 17-20-5 with 39 points through 42 games this season. They’re now in the basement of the Metropolitan Division and five points out of the last wildcard spot. They’re going to have to pick up their play if they want to get back in the race.
Flyers Next Game
Flyers next game is Saturday, Jan 11. in Philadelphia against the Anaheim Ducks.
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