The Flyers wrapped up their brief road swing in Pittsburgh last night, and let’s be honest - it wasn’t pretty. A 6-3 loss to the Penguins stretched their losing streak to five games, and the effort on the ice didn’t do much to inspire confidence.
Disorganized, inconsistent, and outpaced for long stretches, this was another tough one to watch. But even in a game where positives were hard to come by, one player managed to shine through the noise: Denver Barkey.
Barkey’s Bounce-Back
Coming off his first healthy scratch of the season - and of his pro career - Barkey had something to prove. And from the moment he hit the ice, he played like a guy with a point to make. On his very first shift, he generated a quality scoring look, setting the tone for what would be his most impactful NHL performance to date.
The Flyers, as a whole, stumbled early. A penalty less than a minute into the game turned into a quick Penguins goal, and another infraction moments later had them reeling.
But Barkey didn’t let the chaos get to him. Instead, he responded with energy and urgency, using his speed to draw a penalty and create two more scoring chances on the delayed call.
The Flyers didn’t cash in on the power play, but Barkey’s effort helped slow Pittsburgh’s early momentum - a small but crucial shift in a game that was rapidly slipping away.
Dominant at Even Strength
Where Barkey really separated himself was at 5-on-5. His line - skating alongside veteran Sean Couturier and top prospect Matvei Michkov - was dominant in possession.
The numbers back it up: with Barkey on the ice, the Flyers controlled 80% of the shot attempts and a staggering 98.67% of the expected goals. That’s not just good - that’s elite.
And it wasn’t just Barkey individually. When the full line of Barkey, Couturier, and Michkov was on the ice together, they posted a 77.27% share of shot attempts and 93.68% of expected goals. In a game where most of the team struggled to generate sustained pressure, this trio looked like they were playing a different sport.
Building Chemistry with Michkov
The Barkey-Michkov connection is something Flyers fans should keep an eye on. The two rookies showed immediate chemistry, feeding off each other’s creativity and instincts. Barkey set up Nick Seeler with a slick pass for the Flyers’ first goal, then followed that up with a pinpoint feed to Michkov for their third tally of the night.
But it wasn’t just the offensive production that stood out - it was the way they had each other’s backs. After Barkey got rocked with a big hit in the neutral zone during the third period, Michkov didn’t hesitate.
He dropped the gloves with Blake Lizotte in defense of his linemate. It wasn’t a fight Michkov was likely to win, but that didn’t matter.
The gesture spoke volumes. That kind of loyalty and fire goes a long way in a locker room, especially for two young players trying to establish themselves.
Managing the Workload
Barkey’s performance also raises an interesting question: was this breakout game the result of fresh legs after a night off, or was the healthy scratch the wake-up call he needed to reset and refocus? Either way, the result was exactly what the Flyers were hoping for - a sharp, engaged, and dynamic Barkey who looked like he belonged.
Looking ahead, the coaching staff may consider how to manage his workload more strategically. With six more back-to-backs on the schedule, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Barkey get a few more rest days, especially in the front half of those sets. Whether it’s about keeping his legs fresh or just giving him the occasional mental reset, there’s now a blueprint for how to get the best out of him.
A Mature Response
What’s most impressive here isn’t just the stat line or the highlight-reel passes - it’s how Barkey handled the adversity. A healthy scratch can rattle a young player. Instead, he responded with poise, maturity, and a performance that reminded everyone why he’s considered a key part of the Flyers’ future.
In a game where the team struggled to find much to feel good about, Barkey gave them something real to build on. And if this is the version of Denver Barkey we’ll be seeing more of, the Flyers may have found a spark in the middle of a rough stretch.