After a flat performance against the Islanders, the Flyers are skating into Columbus tonight with urgency-and not just because the Olympic break is around the corner. They need a win, plain and simple, to stay in the thick of the playoff hunt. But the Blue Jackets, despite their place in the standings, aren’t exactly rolling out the red carpet.
Columbus has quietly turned a corner. Since Rick Bowness took over behind the bench earlier this month, the Jackets have rattled off a 5-1-0 stretch.
That includes a wild 8-5 win over the Lightning that reminded everyone this young squad can score in bunches-even if they’re still figuring things out defensively. They’re not perfect, but they’re dangerous.
And right now, that’s enough to make them a problem.
Let’s take a closer look at three key storylines heading into tonight’s matchup.
Dan Vladar Returns to the Net
The Flyers are getting a boost in goal tonight, as Dan Vladar returns from injury and is set to start. Head coach Rick Tocchet hinted earlier in the week that Vladar was close, and now he’s back in the crease at a critical time.
Vladar’s been steady all season, and that consistency is exactly what Philadelphia needs right now. Sam Ersson has had his moments, but his play has been a bit of a rollercoaster.
With Vladar healthy again, the Flyers are hoping to find a more reliable rhythm in net. Aleksei Kolosov has been sent back to Lehigh Valley, meaning it’s Vladar and Ersson as the tandem moving forward.
If the Flyers want to pick up points before the Olympic break and stay in the playoff mix, Vladar’s performance could be the difference.
Another Hot Team, Another Test
January hasn’t been kind to the Flyers’ schedule. They’ve been running into one red-hot team after another.
First it was Tampa Bay during their win streak, then a surging Buffalo team that’s won 13 of 15. Now, it’s Columbus riding the classic “new coach bump.”
To their credit, the Flyers did snap Vegas’ seven-game winning streak earlier this month. But they’ve struggled to consistently take down teams that are playing their best hockey.
That has to change-and fast. Beating teams like the Blue Jackets, even when they’re hot, is what separates playoff contenders from those on the outside looking in.
Zamula Faces His Former Team
Tonight also marks a bit of a full-circle moment. Egor Zamula, once a young piece of the Flyers’ blue line, is now suiting up for the Blue Jackets-just a few months after being waived and traded to the Penguins for Philip Tomasino.
Zamula didn’t report to Pittsburgh’s AHL affiliate, was suspended, and eventually had his contract terminated. Now, he’s found a new home in Columbus, signing as a free agent and settling into a third-pair role. He’s logged an assist and is averaging just over 15 minutes a night.
It’s a fresh start for Zamula, and tonight gives both him and the Flyers a look at how things have changed since his departure. For Philly, it’s a reminder of the constant churn of roster decisions in the NHL-and how quickly a familiar face can become an opponent.
The Bottom Line
This isn’t just another game on the schedule. The Flyers need to stop the bleeding and pick up points before the break. Columbus, despite their record, is playing inspired hockey under Bowness and has the offensive firepower to make life difficult.
With Vladar back in net, the Flyers have a chance to stabilize. But they’ll need more than just goaltending-they’ll need urgency, execution, and the ability to rise to the moment against a team that’s suddenly found its stride.