Gameday 59 Preview: Flyers vs. Penguins

Yahoo

25-02-2025

The Flyers didn't just beat the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday—they made a statement.
In their first game back after the 4-Nations break, they looked fast, aggressive, and, most importantly, hungry. The 6-3 win was exactly the kind of performance they needed as they head into the final stretch of the season, fighting tooth and nail for any possible route into the playoffs.
Now, they turn their attention to an opponent that always brings a little extra fire: the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Battle of Pennsylvania rarely lacks drama, and with just 24 games left, the intensity will be dialed up even higher. The Flyers have proven they're not going away quietly. If Saturday was any indication, they're ready to keep swinging.
1. Jakob Pelletier Is Finding His Footing
Saturday marked Jakob Pelletier's long-awaited Flyers debut, and while he didn't light up the scoresheet, there were plenty of encouraging signs. He played with energy, kept his feet moving, and showed flashes of the tenacity that made him such an intriguing pickup.
It hasn't been an easy road to this moment. Visa issues kept Pelletier off the ice for three weeks, a frustrating stretch for a player who thrives on rhythm and game speed. But he's been putting in the work at practices, determined to stay sharp despite the layoff.
"It was great to just play a game," Pelletier said at morning skate on Tuesday. "[When] you're healthy and you have to watch the games, it kind of sucks more. So just to play was great for me...If you do the work, things are gonna go well for us. We played a good game our first game [back from break], and I think we can take a step there."
The Flyers are easing him in, giving him time to adjust to their system and pace. But his skill set—speed, playmaking, and a relentless work ethic—fits perfectly into the identity this team has built.
As he settles in, expect his role to grow. Against a Penguins team that still has plenty of offensive firepower, his energy on the forecheck and ability to make quick decisions with the puck could be key.
2. The Flyers Need to Keep the Same Energy from Saturday
The win over Edmonton wasn't just impressive—it was rejuvenating. The Flyers came out flying, dictating the pace, and playing with an urgency that had been lacking before the break. They looked rested, focused, and fully aware of what's at stake in these final weeks.
That energy can't just be a one-game thing. The Penguins may not be the same dominant force they once were, but they're still a team that knows how to capitalize on mistakes. Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang have been tormenting the Flyers for over a decade, and they won't pass up any opportunity to do it again.
The key for the Flyers will be to establish their game early. When they're at their best, they're relentless on the puck, making life miserable for opponents trying to exit their own zone. They swarm in the neutral zone, force turnovers, and generate offense off their pressure.
That's exactly what they did against the Oilers. The line of Matvei Michkov, Owen Tippett, and Sean Couturier was electric, combining for seven points and tilting the ice every time they were out there. Tippett's return to the lineup gave the team an instant speed boost, while Ryan Poehling added a steadying presence down the middle. If they can carry that momentum into this game, they'll be in good shape.
3. The Penguins' Powerplay Is Still Deadly
If there's one area where Pittsburgh remains as dangerous as ever, it's the powerplay. Even in an up-and-down season, they have the personnel to make opponents pay with the man advantage. Crosby is still Crosby, Malkin is still capable of taking over games, and Jake Guentzel—if he's back from injury—adds another dynamic weapon.
For the Flyers, staying out of the box will be crucial. Their penalty kill has been solid this season, but giving Pittsburgh too many opportunities is a dangerous game. The Flyers have to play with an edge—this rivalry demands it—but they need to be smart about it.
One area to watch is how the Flyers defend entries on the penalty kill. The Penguins' power play thrives when they can gain the zone with speed and set up quickly. If the Flyers can disrupt their breakouts and force dump-ins, they'll make life much harder for Pittsburgh's top unit.
Rasmus Ristolainen and Egor Zamula, both returning from injuries, had strong showings against Edmonton and will be counted on to help shut things down defensively. If they can continue to play physical, structured hockey, the Flyers will have a much better chance of keeping the Penguins' power play off the board.
Final Thoughts
This is one of those games that doesn't need extra hype. Flyers vs. Penguins always means something, no matter the standings. But for Philadelphia, this one carries even more weight. Every game from here on out is a must-win if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive.
They've already shown they have the fight in them. Saturday was proof of that. Now, the challenge is doing it again—and against a team that would love nothing more than to crush their momentum.
The Battle of Pennsylvania is back. Buckle up.
Philadelphia Flyers
Forwards:
Tyson Foerster - Noah Cates - Bobby Brink
Andrei Kuzmenko - Scott Laughton - Travis Konecny
Owen Tippett - Sean Couturier - Matvei Michkov
Jakob Pelletier - Ryan Poehling - Garnet Hathaway
Defense:
Cam York - Travis Sanheim
Nick Seeler - Jamie Drysdale
Egor Zamula - Rasmus Ristolainen
Goalies:
Sam Ersson
Ivan Fedotov
Pittsburgh Penguins
Forwards:
Anthony Beauvillier - Sidney Crosby - Rickard Rakell
Danton Heinen - Evgeni Malkin - Cody Glass
Michael Bunting - Kevin Hayes - Philip Tomasino
Matthew Nieto - Blake Lizotte - Noel Acciari
Defense:
Pierre-Olivier Joseph - Kris Letang
Matt Grzelcyk - Erik Karlsson
Ryan Graves - Ryan Shea
Goalies:
Alex Nedeljkovic
Joel Blomqvist
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