Matvei Michkov’s ice time is a eal head-scratcher. Michkov is clearly the Flyers’ most dangerous player right now—he’s leading the team with 6 goals (plus 1 assist for 7 points) through the first 11 games of 2026-27, with a ridiculous shooting percentage, and he just scored twice in a 3-2 win over Colorado.

Yet his ice time keeps hovering around 14–15 minutes a night (season average roughly 14:51). Last night against the Avalanche he played just 14:37 total (about 12:46 at 5-on-5), and even career AHLers/rookies like Jacob Gaucher and Cole Knuble logged comparable or higher even-strength minutes while he was producing. Recent games have been in that same range: 14:29, 13:40, 14:46, etc.

“I feel good on the ice. I want to play, I want to support team more,” Michkov said last night.

This has been a recurring theme under Rick Tocchet—defensive details, turnovers, short shifts, and usage decisions have limited him even when the offense is flowing. Fans (and some coverage) have been pointing out that a guy driving play and scoring at this rate should be pushing closer to top-line/PP1 minutes more consistently, especially on a team that struggled early. When he’s on the ice, things happen; the minutes just aren’t matching the impact yet.Frustrating to watch when he’s this hot.

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The Flyers suited up a very young roster due to a long list of injuries and skated away with a convincing win over the Avalanche. Colorado is the reigning Presidents Trophy winner and certainly not an easy team to play against. That’s makes two wins in a row for the hosting Flyers. This is a big turnaround after dropping 9 strait to start the season, a franchise record.

Philly was missing Travis Konecny, Owen Tippett, Tyson Foerster, Rasmus Ristolainen, Cam York, and Nikita Grebenkin all due to injury. That gave way to call ups to Oliver Bonk, Hunter McDonald, Jacob Gaucher and the NHL debut of Cole Knuble.

Philly vs Colorado

The Flyers got on the board first on the power-play 7:41 into the 1st period. Trevor Zegras fired a puck from the left circle that was redirected on net by Denver Barkey. Avalanche netminder Mackenzie Blackwood made the initial save however the rebound went right to Matvei Michkov at the side of the net. With Porter Martone screening just outside the blue paint Michkov fired the puck into the open side of the net.

The play was followed by a long review to see if Martone was guilty of goaltender interference. Martone was eventually acquitted of the infraction. This caused Colorado to be penalized again for the delay. The Flyers now rested power-play unit remained on the ice to start the next man advantage.

2nd Period

The Flyers coverage in their own end was much improved in this contest. The Avalanche controlled the puck with prolonged possessions in the Flyers d-zone for much of the middle period. However the Flyers kept Colorado to the perimeters offering much support for their goaltender Joseph Woll who put together another outstanding performance.

At 12:23 into the period is was Matvei Michkov again lighting the lamp to give the Flyers a two goal lead. Michkov took the puck from the top of the slot down around and behind the net. He came out from the other side back around to the point and then eventually firing the puck from his original position.

His shot beat Blackwood just over the pad but under the glove from the top of the slot. The assists were ceremoniously awarded to Zegras and Cates even though Michkov had toured the entire o-zone with the puck before shooting it.

Colorado pulled back to within one with just 2:08 left in the middle period. The Flyers had just killed off a penalty when Martin Necas wristed a rocket top blocker side from the top of the circle. 2-1 Flyers.

3rd Period

Noel Acciari restored the two goal lead 6:34 into the final period. Trevor Zegras passed back to Oliver Bonk at the right point. Bonk teed up a slapper that broke Acciari’s stick on the way to the net. Trevor Zegras assisted on all three Philadelphia goals. 3-1 Flyers.

With just 5:20 TJ Hughes put the Avalanche back in the running. Burying a fortunate rebound with Woll committed to the other side of the net. Final score, Flyers 3 Colorado 2.

Matvei Michkov was the first star of the night. He logged 14:37 in ice time, scoring two goals, and being offensively dominant in this contest. He was on the ice for almost all of the last two minutes of regulation with the Colorado goaltender pulled.

All The Young Dudes

All the young guys looked good in their call ups. You had dads and family in the stands and plenty of responsibility on the ice. During the later moments while protecting a one goal lead you still had the line of Bump, Barkey, and Knuble taking shifts with Bonk and Sanheim back on D.

Knuble had a gutsy play going for the net and paying the price but making it back up ice to be effective on the backcheck. Hunter McDonald delivered a very satisfying check to Cale Makar along the side boards that is worth watching at least a couple times. They all held up, they all did well, and the Flyers earned their second consecutive win.

Next Up: Flyers vs Sabres in Buffalo Wednesday night 7:30.

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Flyers Lineup Updates against the Colorado Avalanche:

Joseph Woll will start tonight

Owen Tippett, Travis Konecny, Cam York, and Rasmus Ristolainen are out tonight

Cole Knuble in, and will make his NHL Debut

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The early returns on Porter Martone and Matvei Michkov’s on-ice (and off-ice) chemistry look very promising for the Flyers.

In their October 18, 2026 game against the Ottawa Senators the two young forwards combined for both of the Flyers’ non-empty-net goals while playing together (often with Noah Cates). Michkov set up Martone for a highlight-reel tip-in, and Martone returned the favor with a rebound that Michkov buried on the power play. They were feeding each other effectively all night.

Post Game Comments:

• Martone: “Yeah, I mean, that was our third game together. So, I mean, I think we’re kind of starting to read off each other, see our tendencies, see what we like, and, you know, it went to show tonight… I think as time goes on and kind of develop more chemistry, you know, I think we can… bring a lot to this team.” He also noted they’ve gotten a lot closer off the ice, with him asking Michkov about his family and life as a way to build that bond: “We’ve gotten a lot closer. I think we can be in this league for a long time.”
• Michkov (on playing with Martone): He likes it, calls him a “special kid,” and emphasizes supporting him “every time” both on the ice and “for life too.” He also confirmed they have chemistry off the ice.

The chemistry between Michkov and Martone was an instant, with some buzzing about the “Mich to Marty” connection, the growing comfort after limited time together, and how the pair (still young — Martone 19, Michkov 21) is injecting energy and skill into a lineup that needed it. Power-play schemes earlier in the season already envisioned them creating two-on-ones down low.

It’s not purely “instant” in the sense of zero prior work — they’ve been building it over a handful of games with more consistent line time — but the visible, reciprocal playmaking and mutual support kicked in quickly and produced tangible results when the team needed a spark most. Flyers fans are understandably excited about what this duo could become as the chemistry continues to develop.

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In an era where some say tough guy hockey is for the dinosaurs Hunter McDonald stands up for himself and his teammates. Which is something the Flyers could definitely use right about now.

The team has recalled defenseman Hunter McDonald from the Lehigh Valley Phantoms placing Cam York on injured reserve with an upper body injury.

Hunter McDonald made is debut with the Flyers in the final game of the regular season last Spring against the Montreal Canadiens. The Flyers had clinched their playoff spot the previous night with a shoot-out win over Carolina. McDonald registered and assist and was a +3 in the Flyers 4-2 victory over the Habs.

The 6′-4″ 238 lbs left handed defenseman was chosen 165th overall in the 6th round of the 2022 NHL entry draft. He signed a new two year deal with the Flyers this past summer. This season in Lehigh Valley with the Phantoms McDonald has 1-G, 2-A, and is a +4 in six games played.

Physical Presence

Not labeling McDonald as an enforcer however he is certainly an intimidating physical presence. Big hits, clearing the crease, and winning board battles are all characteristic of his game. He is said to have a “natural mean streak and agitation skills” which can make him quite miserable to play against.

So far this season with players like Garnet Hathaway and Nick Deslauriers no longer on the roster that element has certainly been missing. Some say the style is outdated or throw-back, but watching your talented players get mugged without support is a hard fad to swallow.

Stand Up

Opposing players take advantage of teams that allow it. Recently Porter Martone took a high elbow to the head from Tampa’s Brandon Hagel and nobody said a word. Tyson Foerster was tackled and punched in the head several times by Carolina’s Jordan Martinook. No penalty, no retaliation, no reason not to go for it again when the opportunity arises.

Hunter McDonald has logged 205 penalty minutes over his 153 AHL games with the Phantoms. In his only game as a Flyer he registered 5 hits in 15 minutes of ice time. McDonald is not a casual observer.

The team has been missing the physical capabilities of defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen who has been sidelined due to injury. Nick Seeler is another d-man who plays a punishing style while staying within the lines of what is legal, most of the time. Say what you want but it should not be enjoyable to meet up with the Flyers defense in their own zone.

Opponents have been much too comfortable in the Flyers end, moving pucks around easily, and throwing tons of rubber at the net. The Flyers goalies have been standing on their heads and deserve stronger support in the d-zone.

Personally I’ve been waiting for McDonald to get here. Hopefully he makes the most of this opportunity and his skills can keep pace at the NHL level. We’ll soon find out.

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The Flyers recalled defenseman Hunter McDonald from the Lehigh Valley Phantoms on October 18, 2026.

This move was part of a series of roster transactions announced by the team:

• Defenseman Cam York was placed on injured reserve (upper-body injury), retroactive to October 8.
• Defenseman Helge Grans and forward Jack Studnicka were loaned to Lehigh Valley. @NHLFlyers

McDonald, a 6’4 left-shot defenseman and the Flyers’ 2022 sixth-round pick (165th overall), had 1 goal and 2 assists (3 points) in 6 games with the Phantoms this season. He made his NHL debut with the Flyers in the 2025-26 regular-season finale and signed a two-year contract (two-way/one-way, $912,500 AAV) in August 2026.

@NHLAdamKThe Flyers have dealt with multiple injuries early in the 2026-27 season, and this recall adds defensive depth.

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Flyers captain Sean Couturier spoke of “simplifying their game” before the Flyers took the ice in Philly on Saturday night. The team picked up their 1st win of the season beating the visiting Ottawa Senators 3-1. And, to be honest, the keys to this game were much more complicated than just simplifying things.

The Flyers are a team in deep turmoil. This win doesn’t change that fact. It’s surly a step in the right direction but the fact remains. We don’t need to rehash all the dirty details again right now. After the game the Flyers captain summed it up this way, “it’s one win we still have a lot of work to do” and he’s not wrong.

Fighting for Time

There is still a disconnect here. Flyers leading scorer Matvei Michkov made this win happen. He set up the home team’s opening goal. He placed a perfect pass between the skates of a crouching Senator, across the slot, and right onto the tape of Porter Martone’s stick. Martone was in perfect position to snap the puck past Linus Ullmark, just over the pad but under the glove.

This goal by the 3rd line tied the score at one after the Senators struck first. After the game Flyers coach Rick Tocchet said, “I heard a bunch of guys, not a bunch but a couple of guys, I can’t remember who said it but they said hey we’re playing really well we’re still OK, so that was nice to hear.”

The Flyers “go-ahead” and eventual GWG was scored by the same combination of players this time on the power-play. The Flyers had just made a line change Michkov remained on the ice with the second unit. Martone fired a shot from the left hand side. The puck rebounded off Ullmark’s pad and right to Michkov who was camped out in the crease with a ton of net to shoot at.

After the game Tocchet was asked if Michkov was supposed to stay out there. The answer started out with “That depends.” So apparently Michkov took it upon himself to stay on the ice. Michkov is fighting for ice time. As a 3rd line winger he logged 14:29 TOI in this game which is slightly lower than his average time on ice per game of 14:52 so far this season. To put that in context Michael Bunting logged 15:29 in this same game.

This was Michkov and Martone’s 3rd game as linemates. After the game Michkov spoke of remembering his 1st season and of doing his best to support Martone. Martone said “as time goes on and you kind of develop more chemistry you know, I think we can bring a lot to this team.” Martone has been averaging 13:15 TOI per game so far, a considerable drop off from the 17:02 average his logged last season.

Keys

Flyers goaltender Dan Vladar played an exceptional game vs the Senators stopping 25 of 26 Ottawa shots. He made “that save” over and over again in this contest. Clutch, on point, and unshakable. This was arguably his strongest appearance so far this season. His glove was red hot, his positioning was on point, he was the Dan Vladar we got to know last season. He allowed just one goal, it was a two on one situation, and it resulted from a beautiful set up from take a wild guess.

Dan Vladar and the Flyers held the Senators at bay after getting outshot 11-4 in the 3rd period and killing a late Ottawa power play. Trevor Zegras scored on the open net to set the final score at 3-1 in favor of Philadelphia.

Inspiration

I just looked up Jason Myrtetus’s “official job title” because it seems like he does everything. That’s because he actually does. “Digital Content Creator, Flyers Daily Podcast Host, Radio pre-game, intermission, post-game host.” Flyers fans know and love Jason as an interictal part of their Philly hockey experience. He knows the sport and this team inside and out.

He was invited by coach Tocchet to speak with the team after the morning skate on Saturday. Both he and the coach chose to keep what he had to say private but in part it was focused on being grateful for the here and now so to speak. He reminded the team to to be happy because they are in the NHL and playing the game that they love.

Other than that all we know is the room was silent after he finished speaking. The Flyers went out afterwards and won their 1st game of the season after nine straight failed attempts. After the game Jason was awarded the game puck by the coach. Sean Couturier presented him with the celebratory “Rocky” gloves as the team surrounded him.

Jason is font of hockey smarts, a true gentleman, and the biggest heavy metal fan you’d ever want to meet. The battle he is currently fighting puts the rest of this mess in total perspective.

In his own words: “That win was not for me. It’s not about me. That win was for every fan. I could see the start of the season was hurting a lot of fans. I’m proud of the way the boys came together in that game. They had to deal with some adversity with the Sens scoring first, having to kill a late penalty, and they didn’t buckle. Now it is onto the next one knowing the only way to do it is together.”

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Jett Luchanko scored his first professional goal on Friday night (October 16, 2026).

Playing for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms (Philadelphia Flyers affiliate), the 20-year-old center tallied the goal plus two assists in a 6-3 road win over the Springfield Thunderbirds. It was also his first career three-point game.

The goal came at 9:01 of the third period. Cole Knuble worked the puck out of the corner and found Luchanko in the right face-off circle; he snapped a quick shot past goaltender Georgii Romanov to make it 5-2 and help blunt Springfield’s comeback.

Through five AHL games this season, Luchanko has 1 goal and 5 assists. Other Phantoms goal scorers in the game included Alex Bump (two goals), Cole Knuble, Hunter McDonald, and Jacob Gaucher.

A solid milestone for the 2024 first-round pick (13th overall) as he continues developing in the AHL after limited NHL looks.

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Among the early bright spots for a struggling Flyers team (0-6-3 through nine games as of October 15–16, 2026), these four are contributing positively relative to the group’s overall offensive and defensive woes.

Here’s a quick look at their 2026-27 starts:

• Matvei Michkov (RW): 9 GP, 3 goals, 0 assists, 3 points, –7. He’s the team’s goal leader and has scored in multiple games (including the most recent 2-1 loss at Detroit). High shooting percentage so far, with consistent middle-six/power-play minutes.
• Denver Barkey (C):6 GP, 0 goals, 2 assists, 2 points, –1. Returned from a lower-body injury early in the season and has chipped in helpers while averaging around 14 minutes a night (including some power-play time). Solid depth/middle-six presence.
• Oliver Bonk (D): 3 GP, 0 goals, 1 assist, 1 point (roughly –2 to –3). Recently recalled and immediately slotted on the top pair with Sanheim. After a tough debut (–3 vs. Carolina), he bounced back strongly vs. Seattle with an assist on a strong individual rush; coach Rick Tocchet praised his composure and ability to move past mistakes. Averaging ~18+ minutes.
• Travis Sanheim (D):9 GP, 1 goal, 2 assists, 3 points, –8/–9. Logging massive minutes (often 25+ per game, among the NHL’s highest) as the top defenseman. He’s producing points and providing leadership/structure on the blue line despite the team’s poor goal differential.

The Flyers have scored just 1.2 goals per game and have been outshot heavily, so individual production and reliable minutes from these guys (especially the young prospects Barkey and Bonk alongside Michkov and Sanheim) stand out.

Bonk’s pairing with Sanheim and Barkey’s steady play have drawn positive notes amid the franchise-record-tying early losing streak. Next up is a home game vs. Ottawa on October 17.

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The Red Wings enjoyed their 2nd win of the season as they hold onto last place in the Atlantic Division. They handed the Flyers their 9th straight loss since the start of the 2026-27 regular season. Many are curious to see what major changes the team is willing to make to turn things around. Frustration is clearly building as the Flyers so far appear willing to stay the course and wait it out.

1st Period

The Flyers held their own in the 1st period. Taking a 1-0 lead into the first intermission after managing just 5 shots on goal. The team’s leading scorer Matvei Michkov scored his 3rd goal of the season after batting a puck out of midair and past Daniil Tarasov for the Flyers only goal of the night. The Flyers have scored 11 goals so far this season, they’ve allowed 32.

2nd Period

As is often the case the Flyers appeared to sag a bit in the 2nd period. As their 1st power-play of the night expired Anton Johansson exited the penalty box to join a two on one and slapped one home off Joseph Woll’s shoulder blocker side. It was his 1st NHL goal. The Flyers went 0-for-2 with the man advantage in this game.

3rd Period

The Flyers went halfway through the final period without registering a shot on goal. At that point the shots were 22-11 in favor of the Red Wings.

Joseph Woll played another strong game in the Philadelphia net. He has certainly been a bright spot in this historically unsuccessful season start. Woll has played four regular season games. He’s given up 10 goals on 244 shots faced. He’s posting a .914 SV% and a 2.95 GAA. On top of that Woll played 5 periods in the pre-season allowing 0 goals against. …He deserves a medal.

Detroit scored their second and final goal of the game with 4:38 remaining in the 3rd period. Woll got a piece of both the centering pass and the shot as it tinked in off his skate with David Jiricek chasing.

With under two minutes to play the Flyers chose not to pull their goaltender while they had possession in the Detroit zone. Nick Seeler picked up a tripping penalty to avoid a Red Wings breakout at 1:29 leaving the Flyers short-handed for the rest of the game.

The Wings played keep away with the puck in their own end on the man advantage as time was ticking down. Oliver Bonk made a great steal and almost tied the game whiffing a shot wide off a fine pass from Trevor Zegras.

There was a time out with just 1.8 seconds on the clock and a face off to the side of the Detroit net. Michkov watched from the bench. He logged 13:40 in this contest. Final score Detroit 2 Philadelphia 1.

Extra Credit: The all time NHL record for most consecutive losses to start a season is 15. The dubious milestone was reached by the New York Rangers at the start of the 1943-44 season.

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