On Oct. 23, the Philadelphia Flyers acquired off to a horrific begin versus the Washington Capitals, trailing 4-0, however made it a one-goal contest within the closing body. They actually may’ve used two factors, however they got here up brief ultimately, 6-3. With a 1-5-1 report, what have been some takeaways for the Orange and Black?
Michkov Gave the Flyers Life
The Flyers appeared to don’t have any juice following a 4-0 deficit, taking part in low-event hockey and unable to make the large saves. I gained’t give rookie Matvei Michkov the entire credit score for the turnaround, however he deserves a variety of it. With a aim and an help to extend his season whole to seven factors in seven video games, the 19-year-old Russian made his presence felt.
Michkov is first amongst rookies (tied with Logan Stankoven) and Flyers in factors. Not like different gamers on the staff, he has the power to take management at any given second. As he grows older, he’ll study to do that extra often. This was certainly one of his higher showings.
Michkov on the MONEY. #PHIvsWSH | #LetsGoFlyers pic.twitter.com/UrH2A2h52X
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) October 24, 2024
With the Flyers being as poor as they’re record-wise, Michkov is among the few causes for folks to tune in. Nicely, he’s making it price their time. Although not at his peak, Michkov remains to be an enchanting participant to look at.
What’s the Plan for Luchanko?
After Jett Luchanko was a wholesome scratch for the Flyers’ final sport, I figured he’d be on this one—it was the second half of a back-to-back. Nonetheless, when the lineups have been introduced, he was nowhere to be discovered. So, what’s the plan?
I by no means actually had any doubts that Luchanko can be a Flyer all through this season, seeing as he’s already certainly one of their finest facilities. However after sitting twice in a row, I’m not so certain. Are they taking part in it secure, or is the 18-year-old certain to return to the Guelph Storm of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL)?
It could be disappointing to see a participant who legitimately makes the staff higher be despatched all the way down to juniors, however the Flyers aren’t precisely taking part in properly, both. Maybe head coach John Tortorella is taking issues gradual and giving him relaxation—we’ll simply must see. He could also be despatched down earlier than then, however the thirteenth decide of the 2024 NHL Draft has 9 whole video games (he has performed 4) till a yr burns off of his entry-level contract. So, I’d anticipate a call when that point comes.
Are the Flyers on Hagens Watch?
Now 1-5-1, an an identical seven-game begin to the infamous 2006-07 season that noticed the Orange and Black end on the backside of the standings, the staff is in a giant gap. Even when they acquired higher as time went on versus the Capitals, this marketing campaign has been a catastrophe for them total—they haven’t performed properly. With that being stated, may they be one of many worst groups within the NHL when all is alleged and accomplished?
I’d cool expectations for projected first-overall decide James Hagens, however a top-seven choice may be very a lot a chance. In that vary, there are a number of high-quality centermen and, to me, three first-overall caliber skills. It’s a stacked class early on, particularly for forwards. Let’s study them.
Associated: 2025 NHL Draft Rankings – Horn’s Early Prime 50
We’re type of in fantasy territory right here, as no person actually is aware of what’s in retailer for the Flyers, nevertheless it’s no less than price discussing this class. To start out, Hagens is a dynamic, flashy heart that Philadelphia may positively use. Kind of, their ahead corps can be set—him paired with Michkov may very well be probably the greatest duos within the sport for years to come back.
Fortunately, Hagens isn’t the one participant who may very well be electrical paired with Michkov. Although it’d in all probability contain forcing certainly one of them to play the middle place, I believe Porter Martone and Michkov (each are right-wingers) may equally take the league by storm. Martone has dimension at 6-foot-3, is dominating the OHL points-wise, generally is a weapon alongside the boards, and has jaw-dropping expertise. This might necessitate a top-three decide in my eyes, nevertheless it’d be oh-so price it.
To me, Michael Misa is the ultimate of the first-overall skills on this class as of proper now. An distinctive standing ahead within the OHL again in 2022-23, he put up a greater point-per-game whole at 15 years previous than some notable draft-year skills did at ages 17 and 18. He’s placing up unbelievable numbers proper now, and it’s indicative of his expertise. He’s a excessive IQ heart with top-end offensive skills. The OHL’s main goal-scorer, he can definitely fireplace the puck.
Two different top-notch centermen within the 2025 NHL Draft are Anton Frondell and Ivan Ryabkin. I’m a bit decrease on them than I used to be a couple of months in the past, however they each have first-line heart potential on the NHL stage. They’re artful, expert, and fairly clever, as properly. Roger McQueen has additionally risen up the ranks, a giant man down the center who makes use of his dimension to his benefit. Most positively, it’s a superb yr for the Flyers to play far beneath expectations.
Subsequent up, the Flyers tackle the Minnesota Wild at Wells Fargo Middle on Oct. 26. Certainly one of 4 groups and not using a regulation loss, it’ll be a giant take a look at if the Orange and Black plan on turning this factor round.
