The Philadelphia Flyers (11-6-3) defeated the New Jersey Devils (13-7-1) with a 6-3 final score on Saturday. It was their second win in a row, and their 5th win in regulation through 20 games.
Although the Devils scored the first goal, the Flyers responded well. After Noah Cates tied the game, the Flyers would go on to score 3 goals in 26 seconds, increasing their lead to 4-1. The Flyers’ goal scorers were Cates, Matvei Michkov, Tyson Foerster (2), Bobby Brink, and Trevor Zegras.
It’s true, the Flyers give up the first goal quite a bit. Through 20 games, the Flyers have given up the first goal in 14 games (70% of the time). However, when you score 4 goals in a little over three minutes, and 3 goals in 26 seconds, giving up the first one will not be the talking point. It was an excellent, if not their best first period of the season.
“I think we were pretty predictable. Had a little bit of a game plan. I thought the forecheck was good. Some good shots, some nice plays.” – Rick Tocchet; 11/22/2025
On the night of Bernie Parent‘s tribute game, Dan Vladař put together an incredible game. You may not think the goalie would be a headline in a 6-3 final, and the barrage of goals the Flyers scored in the first period. However, there were a hand full of moments last night where the Devils could have gotten close. Ultimately, Vladař would go on to stop 32 of 35 shots, finishing the game with a .914 SV%
“I thought Vladdy [Vladař] was excellent tonight. I thought that they [Devils] had some really good chances. ” – Rick Tocchet; 11/22/2025
The ceremony for Bernie Parent’s tribute was beautiful. Heather Cattai, photographer for Flyers Nation, snapped an iconic shot where the Flyers left Bernie’s mask on the net.
FIRST PERIOD
It’s not about how you start, it’s about how you finish. So far this season, the Flyers have taken this phrase to heart, going down early in 14 of their 20 games played this season. Despite this, the Flyers have a miraculous 8-4-2 in those games. Sure, it’s probably not sustainable through an 82-game season, but it does also suggest that this is a team that does not quit. I would even go as far to say, a competitive team, which directly aligns with what Danny Brière and co. had hoped for heading into this season.
The Devils came out with a bit more jump to their game in the first few minutes. The Flyers struggled to generate much. Then, Emil Andrae created a nearly high dangerous chance completely on his own. Andrae carried the puck through the neutral zone, and recognized the Devils were backing off. So, he continued to drive the net, and nearly pulled off a move right in front of the goalie. It was just another moment where you see the potential and impact with his game.
Unfortunately, on the ensuing entry by the Devils, Cam York would take a hooking penalty and put the Flyers penalty kill to work. After a failed clear, and a hand full of high-danger chances, Timo Meier would pot his 6th of the season, getting the lead on the Flyers.
Of course, we know that did not last long, and would be the only lead the Devils would have all night. Because about a minute and a half later, Cates would pounce on a rebound created by Egor Zamula, and tie the game.
Then, the thing happened.
Michkov, who put together a great game for himself, was sprung for a breakaway by Sean Couturier, and would beat Jake Allen five-hole to give the Flyers the 2-1 lead.
It was the exact kind of read Tocchet is looking for from Michkov. This was not cheating, this was a great read by the player.
“ Oh yeah, that’s a perfect play. That’s when you want to go. Yeah, definitely, it was a good play by him.” – Rick Tocchet; 11/22/2025
Foerster would go on to score the Flyers next goal. It was another goal for Foerster in back-to-back games that showcased his shooting ability. Off of a cross-ice feed from Cates, Foerster made no mistake and buried it.
Then, seconds later, Foerster would put another shot on net, and scored, extending the lead to 4-1. His first goal was a snipe, there’s no questioning that. This one though, was more of a reflection of how shaky Allen was in this first period.
Those 3 goals were the fastest 3 goals in Flyers history and tied for the 5th-fastest in NHL history. The previous franchise record was 35 seconds, set in 1979 against the Boston Bruins. Fortunately for the Devils, this would be the last go for the Flyers in this period. Former KHL teammates Michkov and Arseny Gritsyuk were going at it this period, and Michkov sent the Devils back on the power play to end the period.
SECOND PERIOD
The Flyers would kill the Devils power play and would finish their penalty killing for the night, going 1 for 2.
Philadelphia would get a crack at the powerplay as well, but would be unable to finish on their chances, going o for 4 on the night. On this powerplay, Travis Konecny had a wide open net after good puck movement, but would miss, hitting the outside netting go the net. The results weren’t there, but 9 times out of 10, he is going to score that.
Later, Bobby Orr Brink would have his moment, with a wicked wrister, extending the lead to 5-1. This was another great pass by Couturier, who was quietly putting together a really good game. He is currently on pace for 55 points this season. If he can get back to dominating a bit more at even strength, it’ll make his contract a lot more acceptable.
Towards the end of the period, Luke Hughes made a real, slick pass to Nico Hischier, making it a 5-2 game before the period ended.
THIRD PERIOD
This is the period where the Devils seriously pushed to break the Flyers lead. Unfortunately for them, Vladař had other plans. He put together a slew of ten-bell saves, including this one on Jesper Bratt.
UP NEXT
The Flyers will be hitting the road on a five-game away trip. On Monday, they will will face off against the Tampa Bay Lightning (7:00pm/ET; NBCSP).
