The Philadelphia Flyers fell 4-3 in overtime to the Boston Bruins in a tightly contested game that featured flashes of brilliance from the Flyers, moments of frustration with the referee and a strong performance from rookie goaltender Aleksei Kolosov.
Despite the result, the Flyers can take several lessons from the game as they continue to prove they belong in conversations about competitive teams.
Matvei Michkov continues to shine
Matvei Michkov delivered his first NHL multi-goal game in style, scoring two goals in the first period to give the Flyers an early lead. His first goal came from a beautiful one-timer, demonstrating his talent for finding open space and capitalizing with precision. The second was a well-timed tap that was perfectly placed to go into the bottom right corner of Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman.
With these two goals, Michkov not only cemented his reputation as a generational talent, but also showed his ability to step up in big matches. Against a perennial powerhouse like Boston, Michkov’s calmness and attacking instincts stood out. At just 19 years old, he is already becoming one of the Flyers’ most consistent and exciting players, and his chemistry with teammates like Owen Tippett and Morgan Frost continues to develop.
Michkov’s performance is not only a bright spot for the Flyers’ future, it’s also a testament to the impact he’s having right now. Michkov currently leads all NHL rookies with 23 points, leaving little room for anyone to argue against him as the brightest newcomer in the league.
A great team effort, marred by officiating
The Flyers played a strong game, following Boston step by step and responding to every bit of physicality the Bruins used to take them out of their game. Cam York’s goal in the second period, a beautifully executed wrist shot from the point, highlighted the team’s offensive depth and ability to generate scoring chances from all parts of the ice.
However, the game was not without controversy. Questionable refereeing decisions marred what could have been a clean, competitive match. Several missed calls against the Bruins, combined with some tough penalties on the Flyers, shifted the momentum in Boston’s favor. The difference in calls allowed the Bruins to claw their way back into the game, tying the game late and ultimately securing the win in overtime.
Head coach John Tortorella was frustrated with the referees throughout the game and made it known how dissatisfied he was after the final whistle. He started his post-match press conference by telling the media, “One thing I teach my team not to do is dive. I should teach them that, this way [game] here has gone, and the way this goes, I might have to teach them how to dive.”
Another promising performance for Kolosov
In just his sixth NHL start, Aleksei Kolosov delivered another impressive performance, especially on high-risk opportunities. Kolosov made 27 saves, including several highlight stops, including a near split to stop a shot that highlighted his athleticism.
Winslow Townson-Imagn images
Kolosov’s ability to remain calm under pressure was especially crucial in a game where the Bruins were ruthless in the final minutes of regulation and into overtime. His positioning and quick reflexes gave the Flyers a chance to win even as the Bruins increased their offensive pressure.
Although Kolosov ultimately allowed the game-winning goal in overtime, his overall performance continues to make a strong case for his future as a mainstay in the Flyers’ fold. The battle for the goal hierarchy – especially with Sam Ersson’s return on the horizon – becomes even more intriguing with each of Kolosov’s standout performances.
The Flyers return home on December 8 to take on the Utah Hockey Club for the first time ever at 7:30 PM.
Related: Gameday 27 Preview: Flyers vs. Browns
Related: The Flyers Defender trade market should heat up
Related: Joel Farabee’s Fight in Panthers Game An indication of the Flyers’ strong bond
