The Philadelphia Flyers secured a 3-2 victory over the Boston Bruins in a preseason matchup held at the Wells Fargo Center, with Matvei Michkov netting the game-winning goal in overtime. This marked Michkov’s second goal of the night, while Rasmus Ristolainen contributed another goal for the Flyers.
Both Travis Konecny and Olle Lycksell showcased their skills with two-point performances, highlighting their importance in the team’s offensive strategy. With this win, the Flyers improved their preseason record to 3-1-0, with three games remaining before the regular season begins.
Flyers’ assistant coaches, including Brad Shaw, Rocky Thompson, and Darryl Williams, continued to guide the team from the bench as head coach John Tortorella observed from the press box alongside President of Hockey Operations Keith Jones and general manager Danny Briere.
The game featured several promising young players, including Michkov, Oliver Bonk, and Jett Luchanko, all of whom were selected in the first round of the last two drafts, underscoring the team’s commitment to developing talent for the future.
Michkov’s performance was particularly noteworthy, as he demonstrated his willingness to fight for goals in tough areas. His ability to score from close range on the power play helped strengthen the team’s offensive play, even though the power play unit went just 1 for 7.
Tortorella expressed enthusiasm for Michkov’s instinctive plays and creativity, indicating a desire to foster his unique skills without overwhelming him with too much coaching on positional play. Through three preseason games, Michkov has already racked up three goals and three assists, showcasing his offensive potential.
Team captain Sean Couturier stepped up in support of Michkov during the game, defending him against an opponent and setting a strong example of leadership. Couturier’s actions were praised by the coaching staff as essential for building team chemistry and resilience.
Alongside him, Hunter McDonald also showed solidarity with Michkov during a scuffle, emphasizing the importance of establishing a strong team dynamic early in the season. Couturier noted that Michkov’s tenacity in the face of adversity is commendable, a trait that bodes well for his future in the league.
In addition to Michkov, Lycksell stood out with his offensive contributions, collecting two primary assists, while Luchanko showcased potential despite a quieter game. Goaltender Ivan Fedotov made a solid impression in his second preseason appearance, stopping 25 of 27 shots faced and demonstrating improved control and understanding of the game.
The coaching staff highlighted the development of young defensemen McDonald and Bonk, both of whom showed promise in their play. Following the game, the Flyers were scheduled for a day off before returning to practice and continuing their preseason efforts.
