Gameday 35 Preview: Flyers vs. Penguins

The Philadelphia Flyers head to western Pennsylvania to take on their storied rivals, the Pittsburgh Penguins, for the first time this season.

Coming off a thrilling 5-4 overtime win against the Columbus Blue Jackets, the Flyers are looking to carry their offensive momentum into this matchup while balancing the demands of what has been an intense December schedule.

With the NHL’s holiday break looming and a lengthy road trip on the horizon, this game offers an opportunity for the Flyers to cement some positivity before the calendar flips to 2025.

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Offensive Depth Continues to Fuel the Flyers

The Flyers’ offense has been nothing short of dynamic in recent weeks. In their overtime victory against the Blue Jackets, Owen Tippett, Morgan Frost, Tyson Foerster, and Noah Cates all contributed to the scoresheet, highlighting the team’s depth scoring. Tippett, in particular, has been a revelation, combining skill and assertiveness to create chances at critical moments, including the overtime game-winner on Saturday.

This offensive versatility has been a hallmark of the Flyers’ season. Instead of relying on a singular star, they’ve leaned on contributions from up and down the lineup. Frost’s resurgence has been particularly notable, with the young center finding his stride as both a playmaker and a goal-scorer. Meanwhile, Foerster and Cates have solidified their roles as consistent offensive threats, demonstrating maturity and pose in high-pressure situations.

Against the Penguins, a team known for their high-octane attack led by the evergreen Sidney Crosby, the Flyers’ ability to generate offense from multiple lines will be crucial. Pittsburgh’s defense, while formidable, has shown vulnerabilities, especially when tasked with quick transitions. If the Flyers can leverage their offensive depth and capitalize on opportunities, they stand a strong chance of matching the Penguins’ firepower.

Sam Ersson Stays in Net

Sam Ersson will once again get the nod in goal, as John Tortorella continues to lean on the young Swedish netminder. While Ersson’s performance against Columbus had him wanting some goals back, he made several key saves in high-danger sotuations that kept the Flyers competitive.