Flyers Respond to Shutout Loss with High-Intensity Practice, Defensive Shakeups Ahead of Road Trip
VOORHEES, N.J. - After a humbling 4-0 shutout loss to the Islanders on Monday, the Philadelphia Flyers wasted no time hitting the reset button. Tuesday’s practice wasn’t just a box to check - it was a statement.
The team ran a full-effort, non-optional skate that had the urgency of a group trying to right the ship before a two-game road trip that begins Wednesday. Every player was present, and from the jump, it was clear: this wasn’t going to be a light day.
Competitive Fire on Display
One drill in particular set the tone - a high-tempo 2-on-2 battle that started in the neutral zone and drove hard into the corners. The setup was simple: two pairs sprinted to the puck, fought for possession in tight space, and the winners pushed the play toward the net. It ran simultaneously at both ends of the ice, creating a constant hum of competition.
This wasn’t your typical mid-season skate. Players were leaning into contact, grinding along the boards, and pushing each other in a way you usually don’t see outside of game nights. There were no big hits or fights, but the compete level was turned all the way up - the kind of practice that sends a message to both the locker room and the coaching staff.
Line Combinations: Familiar Up Front, New Look on the Blue Line
The forward lines held steady, with a small rotation on the fourth line:
Forwards
- Zegras - Dvorak - Konecny
- Michkov - Cates - Brink
- Barkey - Couturier - Tippett
- Grundstrom - Pederson - Grebenkin/Hathaway
The only notable wrinkle was the rotation between Nikita Grebenkin and Garnet Hathaway on the fourth line. Grebenkin appeared to get the lion’s share of reps, which could be an early sign he’s staying in the lineup for the upcoming trip. We’ll know more once the team hits the ice in Columbus.
On defense, though, things got interesting:
Defensemen
- Sanheim - Ristolainen
- York - Drysdale
- Seeler - Juulsen
- Andrae - Deslauriers
While it’s not uncommon for head coach Rick Tocchet to experiment with combinations during practice, this setup suggests a potential shakeup. Emil Andrae, who’s had a rough stretch of games lately - understandable for a young defenseman finding his footing - may be headed for a night in the press box.
If the new pairings hold, the York-Drysdale duo is one to keep an eye on. Both have shown real growth this season, with York continuing to develop his two-way game and Drysdale stepping into a more reliable defensive role without sacrificing his offensive instincts. Their chemistry could offer a dynamic look from the back end, especially in transition.
Injury Update: Flyers Nearing Full Strength
The Flyers are inching closer to full health, with only Tyson Foerster and Rodrigo Abols still sidelined for the foreseeable future.
Goaltender Dan Vladar is also nearing a return. He was a full participant in Tuesday’s practice, signaling that his stint on injured reserve may be coming to an end. Aleksei Kolosov was still on the ice as well, but if Vladar is indeed ready to go for the road trip, a roster move could be on the horizon.
What’s Next
The Flyers hit the road looking to bounce back from a tough loss and regain some momentum. With a potentially reworked blue line and a renewed sense of urgency, this next stretch could be a pivotal moment in their season. The compete level is clearly there - now it’s about carrying that edge into game action.