The 31-year-old defenseman in Rasmus Ristolainen will play his first game since March 11, 2025, which is exactly 280 days since he last played a game. He had surgery to repair a ruptured right triceps tendon—his second such injury in as many years.
Ristolainen has been a full participant in practices recently and traveled with the team for this reason. Since his return, Ty Murchison will head back to Lehigh, and he should do so with his head held high.
Dan Vladar
The Flyers (16-9-6) are playing on the road at the Bell Centre against the Canadiens (17-11-4). Dan Vladar is the confirmed confirmed starter for Philadelphia.
He’s been the Flyers’ primary goaltender this season after signing with them in July 2025, posting strong numbers like an 11-5-3 record, 2.48 GAA, and .908 save percentage entering the game.
After signing a two-year, $6.7M deal with Philly in July 2025, the 28-year-old Czech goalie has emerged as their clear No. 1 netminder and a major bright spot. As of mid-December 2025:
- Record:11-5-3
- GAA: 2.48
- Save percentage: .908
- Goals Saved Above Expected (GSAx): +10.7 to +12.6 (indicating he’s outperforming expectations significantly)
- He’s allowed two goals or fewer in over half his starts, with top-10 rankings in high-danger save percentage and even-strength SV%.
This is a notable improvement from his Calgary days (career .897 SV% prior), credited to offseason hip surgery recovery and better health. Some analysts have called him the Flyers’ early MVP, a “shockingly good” surprise, and even a top-10 NHL goalie at points this season—helping stabilize a position that was the league’s worst last year.
Vladar has been key in keeping Philly competitive, and his play has him in the conversation for Czechia’s 2026 Olympic roster.
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