The Philadelphia Flyers (4-8-1) visit the Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena for a 7:30pm opening faceoff.
On Tuesday, the Flyers nearly brought the Carolina Hurricanes into overtime. During the final minute of regulation, Martin Nečas scored the game-winner. The Hurricanes hemmed Philadelphia in their defensive zone for an extended period, wearing down the defense before taking the lead, 5-4. Seth Jarvis notched an empty-net goal to provide the final, in favor of Carolina, 6-4.
Tonight, the Lightning, who are third in the NHL Atlantic Division, present another hard matchup versus the Flyers. Tampa Bay is tied for 5th in scoring (48), tied for 12th in goals allowed (43), tied for 17th on the powerplay (18.6%), and tied for 24th on the penalty kill (73.8%). Comparably, Philadelphia is tied for 24th in scoring (34), tied for 4th in goals allowed (50), tied for 14th on the powerplay (20%), and is 3rd on the penalty kill (88.9%).
If the Flyers earn a win against the Lightning, the special teams will play a gigantic role. Philadelphia, to the shock of no one, are the underdogs.
When: 7:30pm ET
Where: Amalie Arena; Tampa, FL
Broadcast Info: ESPN+/Hulu; 97.5 The Fanatic
Last Game PHI: 11/5; 6-4 L at Carolina Hurricanes
Last Game TBL: 11/5; 3-2 L at St. Louis Blues
Philadelphia Flyers
Matvei Michkov is a healthy scratch. This news has almost everyone outraged, but it is clear Michkov has struggled mightily at even-strength hockey for a while. John Tortorella provided a long leash for Michkov. There is an argument that his presence on the powerplay is a requirement in this matchup, but the lessons to learn off the ice regarding his even-strength play and how to improve it serve a larger purpose. No one doubts Michkov as a very talented forward, but at this stage in his career, Tortorella prioritized a coaching opportunity to help with development.
Despite what the talking heads in Philadelphia believe, a skater can learn many things from watching a game.
“[It’s] just part of the process. With young guys, they can watch games, too, as far as development. It’s trying to help him [Michkov].” – John Tortorella; 11/7/2024
Anthony Richard steps into the lineup. He will slot into the first powerplay unit in place of Michkov. During the 2024-2025 Flyers Training Camp and Preseason, Richard was a very fleet-footed skater, and his skill set is translating nicely in the AHL. On the Lehigh Valley Phantoms in 7GP, Richard tallied 9P (4G, 5A) and is not prone to taking many penalties.
“He [Richard] had a really good camp; skates well. [He] has played very well down there [AHL; Lehigh Valley Phantoms]. [He] brings some offense. As I told him in camp, I want him to take a chance offensively. I don’t want him to worry about making mistakes. I want him to take a chance offensively. He gets an opportunity.” – John Tortorella; 11/7/2024
Alexei Kolosov left the morning skate with trainers and did not return. Tortorella, at first, confirmed Kolosov as the starter, but now it looks like Ivan Fedotov will occupy the crease. On the season, Fedotov is 0-3-0 in as many starts with 82.1%SV and a 5.35GAA.
There are no lineup changes regarding the defense. Erik Johnson is a healthy scratch as Emil Andrae and Egor Zamula tandem.
Projected Lineup: Philadelphia Flyers
#74 Owen Tippett – #14 Sean Couturier – #11 Travis Konecny
#86 Joel Farabee – #21 Scott Laughton – #10 Bobby Brink
#90 Anthony Richard – #48 Morgan Frost – #71 Tyson Foerster
#44 Nicolas Deslauriers – #27 Noah Cates – #19 Garnet Hathaway
#6 Travis Sanheim – #9 Jamie Drysdale
#24 Nick Seeler – #55 Rasmus Ristolainen
#36 Emil Andrae – #5 Egor Zamula
#82 Ivan Fedotov
(EBUG: Kyle Konin)
Projected Lineup: Tampa Bay Lightning
#59 Jake Guentzel – #71 Anthony Cirelli – #86 Nikita Kucherov
#38 Brandon Hagel – #20 Nicholas Paul – #41 Mitchell Chaffee
#28 Zemgus Girgensons – #14 Conor Geekie – #93 Gage Goncalves
#23 Michael Eyssimont – #11 Luke Glendening – #13 Cam Atkinson
#77 Victor Hedman – #90 JJ Moser
#27 Ryan McDonagh – #81 Erik Černák
#78 Emil Lilleberg – #48 Nick Perbix
#88 Andrei Vasilevskiy
(#31 Jonas Johansson)
