Flyers Surging Early, Riding Goaltending, Grit, and a Touch of Shootout Magic
After 24 games, the Philadelphia Flyers are sitting at 14-7-3-a record that not only turns heads but signals one of the franchise’s strongest starts in recent memory. They're just four points back of the Eastern Conference's top spot, and while there’s still a long road ahead, this team is giving fans plenty of reasons to believe. Let’s break down what’s working, what’s sustainable, and what it all means moving forward.
Flyers Within Striking Distance of the East’s Elite
With 31 points, the Flyers currently sit fourth in the East, just behind the Tampa Bay Lightning, who have 34 points in 25 games. The Lightning hold a solid edge in regulation wins (13 to Philly’s 7), which could matter down the line in tiebreaker scenarios. But make no mistake-the Flyers are right in the thick of it.
Now, before anyone starts printing playoff tickets, it’s worth noting that the underlying numbers paint a more complicated picture. At 5-on-5, Philadelphia ranks just 22nd in expected goal share. That tells us they’re getting out-chanced more often than not, which usually doesn’t bode well for long-term success.
But this team isn’t winning by dominating the analytics charts-they’re winning by playing smart, disciplined hockey under head coach Rick Tocchet. The Flyers’ system leans heavily on dump-ins and structured zone play, which limits high-danger rush chances against. That’s been a game-changer for goalies Dan Vladař and Samuel Ersson, who aren’t facing the chaos their predecessors dealt with in 2024-25.
The results? A team that’s rarely out of games.
They’re 7-7 in regulation-decided matchups, but a sparkling 7-3 in games that go beyond 60 minutes. That includes a perfect 5-0 mark in shootouts-an area where the Flyers have quietly become one of the league’s best.
Shootout Success: A Secret Weapon
The shootout has become a surprising strength for this group, and it’s not hard to see why. Trevor Zegras is converting at a ridiculous 68.0% clip in his career, Matvei Michkov is hitting at 41.7%, and both goalies have been excellent in these one-on-one showdowns. It’s not just luck-it’s skill, preparation, and execution.
And while shootout wins don’t always scream “sustainable success,” the Flyers’ ability to consistently come out on top in tight games suggests they’re built to grind. In a league where parity rules and margins are razor-thin, that matters.
So, while the analytics crowd might be skeptical, the Flyers’ brand of hockey-tight checking, smart systems, and clutch performances-gives them a real shot to stay in the playoff hunt. A postseason appearance for the first time since 2019-20? It’s on the table.
Jett Luchanko Heads to Brantford, Starts Strong
On the prospect front, there’s been a notable shake-up. Jett Luchanko, co-captain of the Guelph Storm and one of the Flyers’ top young assets, was traded to the Brantford Bulldogs in a deal centered around future assets.
Brantford is a powerhouse in the Ontario Hockey League-think of them as the OHL’s version of the Colorado Avalanche. They’ve dropped just one game in regulation through 25 contests, and expectations are sky-high. A Memorial Cup run isn’t just a possibility-it’s the goal.
Luchanko’s debut came in that lone loss, a narrow defeat to the Brampton Steelheads on Black Friday, sealed by a late power-play goal. But he bounced back in a big way, notching two assists in his home debut and helping Brantford to a 4-3 win.
This move is a win for both Luchanko and the Flyers. He’ll get meaningful minutes in all situations during what should be a deep playoff run-exactly the kind of experience that helps a young player take the next step. If all goes well, he’ll be knocking on the door of the NHL or AHL come 2026-27.
Michkov, Zegras, Tippett & Co. Fueling the Offense
Philly’s recent three-game win streak has been powered by a handful of key contributors who are finding their stride at just the right time.
Here’s who’s been filling the net:
- Matvei Michkov - 3 goals, 4 points
- Owen Tippett - 2 goals, 4 points
- Trevor Zegras - 2 goals, 3 points
- Sean Couturier - 2 goals, 2 points
- Tyson Foerster - 2 goals, 2 points
Michkov, in particular, is starting to look like the elite talent the Flyers hoped for when they drafted him. He’s been driving play at 5-on-5 with a 54.62% expected goal share and an actual goal share of 66.67%. Those are top-tier numbers, and they’re coming with increased ice time-he’s now fifth among Flyers forwards in even-strength minutes over the past two games.
That’s a promising sign for his chemistry with Tocchet, who’s clearly gaining trust in the 20-year-old winger. Michkov’s development is one of the most important storylines in Philly right now, and it’s trending in the right direction.
As for the rest of the group, they’re doing what Tocchet needs them to do. Couturier’s two-way game is rounding back into form.
Foerster is showing more consistency as a goal scorer. Tippett is heating up again.
And Zegras? He’s not just dazzling in the shootout-he’s becoming a core piece of this team.
What’s Next: A Crucial Homestand
The Flyers are about to face a pivotal stretch with three games at home against:
- Pittsburgh Penguins (12-7-5)
- Buffalo Sabres (10-11-4)
- Colorado Avalanche (18-1-6)
Two wins here would be massive-not just for the standings, but for the team’s confidence heading into the heart of the season. The Penguins are always a tough out, the Sabres are scrappy, and the Avalanche… well, they’re a juggernaut right now.
But if the Flyers can keep playing their brand of hockey-tight, gritty, and opportunistic-they’ll have a chance in every one of those games.
This isn’t just a hot start anymore. It’s a team with identity, structure, and belief. And for the first time in a while, Flyers fans have a team worth getting excited about.