That’s a wrap on another Rookie Series between the Philadelphia Flyers and New York Rangers. Similar to the 2024 Rookie Series, the Flyers split with the Rangers. Instead of each game requiring an extra session of hockey, however, New York handled Philadelphia in regulation, 5-2, to conclude the 2025 Rookie Series at the PPL Center.
Notably, Denver Barkey and Oliver Bonk were not in the lineup. John Snowden saw all he needed to see from Barkey on Friday night. Bonk was not in the lineup, receiving a maintenance day before the 2025 Training Camp next week. Nathan Quinn and Austin Moline entered the lineup in their places. Additionally, Carson Bjarnason split the final exhibition of the 2025 Rookie Series with Joey Costanzo.
There’s a bit to unpack from the final game of this 2025 Rookie Series. Here’s what happened during the second exhibition at the PPL Center between the Flyers and Rangers:
First Period
The opening 10:00 was spicy between Philadelphia and New York. Many sticks were up high after the whistle, crowding netminders as the officials had to create separation between opposing skaters. This tilted the scales in favor of the Rangers during the first period.
“They [New York Rangers] won 5-2. I didn’t think it was a great hockey game by either side if you really look at it. It was pretty sloppy and what you kind of expected [from] this type of game; back-to-back games.” – John Snowden; 9/13/2025
Brennan Othmann settled in on the power play, finding Scott Morrow in the slot. Morrow uncorked a one-time past Bjarnason, 1-0, to take an early lead.
Most of the first period was controlled by New York. The Flyers didn’t break onto the scoreboard; however, they did generate a few scoring chances. Nikita Grebenkin and Ethan Samson were notable despite trailing. Grebenkin pushed the forecheck, and Samson continued to step up along the blue line into the attack.
“One of his [Ethan Samson] greatest strengths is his shot. It was just a good goal in general. We made some plays off, but he can shoot the puck in the net. Last year with us for the Phantoms, I think he led our team in power play goals. He can score when he gets his opportunities.” – John Snowden; 9/13/2025
Second Period
Four-on-four hockey kicked off the second period. Philadelphia got caught deep in the offensive zone, trailing the Rangers in transition. Jackson Dorrington used his quick release to beat Bjarnason, 2-0. Samson hit the ice to take away a passing lane, left to defend the three-on-one rush.
Speaking of Samson, he would cut the deficit in half. Moline won a puck battle along the boards, pushing possession toward Grebenkin. Samson received a pass from Grebenkin, scoring on Callum Tung from the left wing, 2-1.
Suddenly, the Flyers began to find a groove. Jack Nesbitt was grinding on the forecheck in the offensive zone, but Philadelphia couldn’t stay out of the penalty box. As quickly as the deficit was halved, New York was back on the power play.
“I thought he [Jack Nesbitt] was very good. I thought he was really good yesterday [Friday]. He made a couple plays on entry where he beat a couple guys one-on-one and then he made the next play after that. He shows his flash with his hands at that size. He thinks both sides of the rink; he understands how to defend.” – John Snowden; 9/13/2025
Hunter McDonald and Ty Murchison watched from the penalty box. Spencer Gill nearly cleared the defensive zone, breaking his stick in the process, yet continuing to defend purely based on positioning. However, Jaroslav Chmelar potted New York’s second power play goal, 3-1. It would be the last action Bjarnason saw before the scheduled change with Costanzo.
“He [Spencer Gill] had a lot of good moments. He’s missed a lot of hockey, so finding his legs and finding his timing again, he’s got a lot of poise with the puck. He defends well. He does a little bit of everything really well. I liked him today. I liked him in the second half of the game as well. Eventhough it wasn’t going that well for us, I think there’s some good things to his game that we can definitely be excited about. He’s going to continue to grow, especially when he grows into his body and gets stronger, bigger.” – John Snowden; 9/13/2025
Costanzo denied a quality chance on a breakaway by Othmann. His positioning between the pipes was enough to provide a favorable shift of energy for the Flyers. It’s the only playing time he received during the 2025 Rookie Series, and his teammates tried to turn the tide.
Grebenkin moved the puck into the offensive zone, and Alexis Gendron picked up where Grebenkin was separated from possession. A quick shot beat Tung, 3-2, as Philadelphia remained down, but not out.
Before the end of the period, Othmann deked Murchison upon entry into the Flyers’ defensive zone, creating a short two-on-one rush. His pass across the ice to Noah Laba was tipped in for an easy score, 4-2, with Gill stuck in the middle to defend. Costanzo didn’t have much of a chance to make the save, despite his effort.
Third Period
Alex Bump generated a couple of scoring chances throughout the game, whether he assumed the playmaker or goal-scorer role in the sequence. He nearly connected with Matthew Gard and Tucker Robertson at times, but those opportunities were thwarted.
Gabe Perreault potted the empty-net goal to ensure a win for the Rangers, 5-2. New York secured the only regulation victory of the 2025 Rookie Series.
Up Next
Next, Philadelphia wraps up its 2025 Rookie Camp with 11:00am practices on Monday and Tuesday in Voorhees, NJ. Those practices will be open to the public at the Flyers Training Center.
