The
Philadelphia Flyers (1-6-3) host the Colorado Avalanche (5-2-1) at Xfinity Mobile Arena. The puck drops at 7:00pm/ET with the Flyers seeking to ride their current momentum after securing their first win of the season.
That’s right. It took 10 games, but Philadelphia won. The Flyers’ young stars paved the way, propelling them past the Ottawa Senators,
3-1.
Matvei Michkov and
Porter Martone each notched a goal and an assist.
“That was our third game together. I think we’re starting to read off each other, see our tendencies, see what we like, and it showed tonight. We’re two very skilled players, and as time goes on, and we develop more chemistry, we can bring a lot to this team.” –
Porter Martone; 10/17/2026
Overall, the Flyers flew against the Senators, particularly in the second period, which may have been their best period of hockey in 2026-2026 to date. ‘The Orange and Black’ registered 14 shots on goal, their most in a single period, and moved the puck to generate opportunities on the power play.
Tonight, that momentum must carry into their tilt. Colorado scored 36 goals, third in the NHL. They strike early and often, while Philadelphia is a bit more few-and-far-between.
“You’re never going to get your perfect matchup, but it doesn’t matter when it’s MacKinnon [Nathan MacKinnon], Nelson [Brock Nelson], Kadri [Nazem Kadri], Nečas [Martin Nečas]. They [the Colorado Avalanche] got waves [of talent and skill]. We’re going to have some guys that probably aren’t used to being against those types of players. They’re going to have to go out there and hold their own.” –
Rick Tocchet; 10/19/2026
Gifting a surplus of power play time won’t do the Flyers any favors. Philadelphia racked up the 97:00PIM (8th; NHL), and they could be without
Sean Couturier (undisclosed; game-time decision) and
Tyson Foerster (hand; game-time decision), two key penalty killers.
Joseph Woll vs Mackenzie Blackwood
Joseph Woll will tend the crease hoping to secure his first win in a Flyers uniform. He’s coming off a 24-save showing that kept his team alive during the contest in Detroit. Woll holds a 2.77 GAA and .916 SV%. The Flyers continue to alternate between Woll and
Dan Vladař, who has not started consecutive games this season. This decision is paying off as both netminders are putting the team on their backs.
Mackenzie Blackwood suits up between the pipes for Colorado and is aiming to extend his win streak to three. The 29-year-old processes a 4-2-0 record with a 2.86 GAA and .891 SV%. Tonight marks the 17th time Blackwood faces the Flyers and he’s had their number going 11-3-2 dating back to his days as a member of the New Jersey Devils.
Player to Watch: Oliver Bonk
The steady level of play that
Oliver Bonk exhibits has earned him a spot on the top defensive pair alongside
Travis Sanheim, a decision that was initially a stretch. His skating ability has created open ice and landed him in some Grade-A scoring situations. He’ll be heavily tested with the speed and talent featured throughout Colorado’s star-studded lineup. As Tocchet alluded to in his pregame press conference, the player in front of Bonk may mess up, but he is second in command and can’t slip up, allowing an Avalanche player behind him.
Player to Watch: Nathan MacKinnon
It’s hard not to select a top-three player in the NHL as someone to keep your eyes on. Teams strategize and build their game plans around players like MacKinnon with tactics on how to stop someone with that much skill. MacKinnon is off to a fast start with six goals and 16 points, averaging two points per game. He won the 2025-26 Maurice “The Rocket” Richard Trophy and placed third in the MVP voting.
Injury Report: Philadelphia Flyers
Injury Report: Colorado Avalanche
- – Logan O’Connor (lower-body)
- – Nicolas Roy (lower-body)
- – Zachary L’Heureux (upper-body)
Projected Lines: Philadelphia Flyers
Trevor Zegras – Christian Dvorak – Porter Martone
Alex Bump – Noah Cates – Matvei Michkov
Denver Barkey – Sean Couturier – Michael Bunting
Garrett Wilson – Noel Acciari – Cole Knuble
Travis Sanheim – Oliver Bonk
Nick Seeler – Jamie Drysdale
Simon Benoit – David Jiříček
Joseph Woll
(Dan Vladař)
Projected Lines: Colorado Avalanche
Artturi Lehkonen – Nathan MacKinnon – Martin Nečas
Gabriel Landeskog – Brock Nelson – Nazem Kadri
Jaden Schwartz – Fedor Svechkov – TJ Hughes
Parker Kelly – Gavin Brindley
Devon Toews – Cale Makar
Brett Kulak – Sam Malinski
John Manson – Brent Burns
Noah Juulsen
MacKenzie Blackwood
(Scott Wedgewood)
FLYERS ALUMNI VEGAS AND IRELAND TRIPS
Flyers Nation and TrueFan Travel have teamed up for two trips with the Flyers Alumni!
The Las Vegas package (March 10–14) includes tickets to Flyers–Golden Knights on March 11 at T-Mobile Arena, an all-inclusive tailgate, optional flights from Philadelphia, a 4-night downtown hotel stay, an alumni pep rally and Q&A, a Flyers vs. Utah watch party, and a meet and greet.
The Ireland Golf & Tour Experience (July 20–27) includes optional flights from Philadelphia, six nights at The Brehon Killarney and Portmarnock Resort, a welcome reception, a meet and greet and Q&A with Brad Marsh, Patrick Sharp, Joe Watson, Bill Clement, Mark Recchi, and John LeClair, a live Coatesy’s Corner, and optional golf at Old Head, Dooks, Portmarnock, and Druids Glen.
Whether you’re chasing a road game in Vegas or a week on the links in Ireland, these are two chances to travel with Flyers legends!
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