Flyers vs. Kings: Two Teams Searching for Answers Face Off in Philly
The Philadelphia Flyers are in the middle of a rough stretch, and the timing couldn’t be worse. With three straight losses behind them and three more games ahead before the Olympic break, this week looms large.
It kicks off with a matchup against the Los Angeles Kings - a team in a similarly frustrating spot. Call it what you will - the “Battle of Mid” might not be flattering, but it’s fitting.
Both teams are trying to find their footing before the season slips away.
Flyers Frustrated, Searching for a Spark
After a humbling loss to the Bruins earlier this week, Flyers forward Travis Konecny didn’t hold back. He’s tired of losing, tired of falling short, and made it clear he wants this team playing meaningful hockey in the spring.
That kind of leadership matters, especially from a guy who’s been carrying the offensive load - leading the team in goals (21), assists (29), and points (50). Konecny’s fire is exactly what this team needs right now.
But passion alone won’t fix what’s broken. Philadelphia is trying to rework its center depth on the fly.
Lane Pederson was sent back to Lehigh Valley, and now the Flyers are experimenting with Trevor Zegras down the middle. That shift pushes veteran Sean Couturier to the fourth line, and while it didn’t go well in Boston - Zegras went just 1-for-11 on faceoffs - head coach Rick Tocchet isn’t abandoning the idea just yet.
It’s a bold move, and with Zegras’ skillset, it’s worth seeing through, even if there are growing pains.
Goaltending Watch: Ersson’s Status Unclear
Sam Ersson exited the Boston game with an injury, and while there’s been no official update, it looks like Dan Vladar is getting the nod in net against the Kings. Whether that’s part of the plan or a necessity remains to be seen.
No word yet on a call-up for Aleksei Kolosov or any indication that Ersson is unavailable long-term. For now, the Flyers appear to be rolling with Vladar, with Ersson possibly backing up.
Kings in a Similar Funk
The Kings haven’t exactly been lighting it up either. They come into this one with a 22-17-13 record and, like the Flyers, are stuck in the middle of their division standings.
Offensively, Adrian Kempe has been their most consistent contributor, leading the team in goals (18), assists (23), and points (41). Kevin Fiala has matched Kempe’s goal total, but overall, L.A. has struggled to find that extra gear.
One player the Kings are still waiting to see break through? Quinton Byfield.
The former No. 2 overall pick was expected to take a huge step this season, especially with Anze Kopitar set to retire at the end of the year. But so far, it hasn’t clicked.
Byfield has just nine goals and 28 points in 51 games, despite averaging over 20 minutes a night. No multi-goal games.
No statement performances. Yet.
Still, the talent is there. Flyers fans know all too well how a talented young player can suddenly flip the switch - just look at Matvei Michkov. If Byfield’s breakout is coming, the Flyers will be hoping it doesn’t happen at their expense.
Projected Lineups
Philadelphia Flyers
- Forwards: Nikita Grebenkin - Christian Dvorak - Travis Konecny Denver Barkey - Noah Cates - Owen Tippett Matvei Michkov - Trevor Zegras - Bobby Brink Carl Grundstrom - Sean Couturier - Garnet Hathaway
- Defense: Travis Sanheim - Rasmus Ristolainen Cam York - Jamie Drysdale Nick Seeler - Noah Juulsen
- Goalies: Dan Vladar (Starter) Sam Ersson (Status TBD)
Los Angeles Kings
- Forwards: Corey Perry - Alex Laferriere - Adrian Kempe Trevor Moore - Quinton Byfield - Warren Foegele Kevin Fiala - Joel Armia - Andrei Kuzmenko Jeff Malott - Samuel Helenius - Taylor Ward
- Defense: Mikey Anderson - Drew Doughty Joel Edmundson - Brandt Clarke Brian Dumoulin - Cody Ceci
- Goalies: Darcy Kuemper (Starter) Anton Forsberg (Backup)
What to Watch For
- Zegras at Center: The Flyers are giving Zegras a real look at center, and while the early returns haven’t been pretty, there’s a lot of upside if he can adjust. His vision and creativity could open up new looks offensively, especially with Michkov on his wing.
- Goaltending Depth: With Ersson’s status uncertain, Vladar will need to step up. The Flyers can’t afford another shaky start, especially with the team’s confidence already on edge.
- Byfield’s Breakout Potential: He hasn’t had a signature game yet this season, but Byfield has all the tools. Don’t be surprised if he starts to put it together - and the Flyers will need to keep him in check.
- Konecny’s Leadership: He’s doing everything he can to drag this team forward. If the Flyers are going to snap this skid, it’s going to start with No. 11 leading the charge.
Final Word
This isn’t just another mid-season game. Both the Flyers and Kings are stuck in the middle - in the standings and in their identity.
With the Olympic break looming, this stretch could define the direction of their seasons. For the Flyers, it’s about stopping the bleeding, finding answers at center, and getting back to the kind of hockey that had them in the playoff picture.
For the Kings, it’s about unlocking their young core and proving they can still be a threat in the West.
Two teams. Two different coasts.
One shared goal: get back on track. Let’s see who wants it more.