Latest news with #JakobPelletier
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Andrei Kuzmenko Traded To Kings
Philadelphia Flyers winger Andrei Kuzmenko has been traded to the Los Angeles Kings for a third-round pick in 2027. A source confirms Flyers have traded Andrei Kuzmenko to Kings for 2027 third-round pick. Flyers will retain 50 percent of Kuzmenko's remaining salary. He had a $5.5 million cap hit on expiring deal.@FriedgeHNIC first reported Kuzmenko to Kings. — Jordan Hall (@JHallNBCS) March 7, 2025 The Flyers will retain 50 percent of his salary, a $5.5 million cap hit on a deal that expired after this season. Kuzmenko was acquired by the Flyers in a trade that saw forwards Joel Farabee and Morgan Frost go to the Calgary Flames in exchange for the 29-year-old, along with Jakob Pelletier, and picks in the 2025 and 2027 drafts. In seven games with the Flyers, Kuzmenko had five points (2G, 3A). He primarily played on a line with Travis Konecny and Scott Laughton, where he was noticeable for playing with an abundance of energy and creativity. Head coach John Tortorella said that while Kuzmenko was not with the team long enough to give a full analysis, he praised the Russian winger's contributions. "A good kid, full of energy, very skilled," Tortorella said on Friday. "I liked his energy...I wish him nothing but the best. It's been a good experience with him." Jakob Pelletier Speaks On First Game Against Flames; Settling In With Flyers Jakob Pelletier knew this game was coming. Joel Farabee & Morgan Frost Return For First Game Against Flyers It wasn't quite the homecoming they had imagined. Flyers' Rasmus Ristolainen Is Focused On The Present, Unbothered by the Noise Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen (55). (Megan DeRuchie-The Hockey News)
Yahoo
02-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Gameday 61 Preview: Flyers vs. Jets
Philadelphia Flyers forwards Ryan Poehling (25) and Jakob Pelletier (22) share a laugh during practice on Feb. 26, 2025. (Megan DeRuchie-The Hockey News) The Philadelphia Flyers are heading into a battle. Winnipeg has been one of the best teams in the league all season, rolling through opponents with a combination of structured defense, deep scoring, and elite goaltending. There's no easy path to two points against the Jets. But here's the thing—the Flyers thrive in these kinds of games. They've spent all season proving people wrong, pushing playoff-bound teams to the brink, and playing their best hockey when they're counted out. After a strong performance against Pittsburgh, the Flyers will need to bring that same energy into Winnipeg. Their best players have been shining, their offensive creativity has been flowing, and they've been playing a style of hockey that suits them. But the Jets aren't going to hand them anything, so the Flyers will have to be at their absolute sharpest if they want to walk away with a win. 1. The Flyers' Top Two Lines Are Rolling—and They Need to Keep It Up The Flyers have had multiple lines consistently producing offense, but right now, they have two standouts. The Foerster-Cates-Brink line has found something special, combining high hockey IQ with relentless work ethic. Tyson Foerster has been a beast in puck battles and continues to unleash his dangerous shot whenever he gets the chance. Noah Cates does the dirty work, making smart defensive reads and setting up plays with precision. And Bobby Brink? He's slippery, creative, and has a playmaker's vision that's been on full display lately. "Seeing the development of these young players is exactly what Philly needs."@Rupper17 and @MarkDParrish take a look at the @NHLFlyers' impressive top line. #LetsGoFlyers | #NHLNow — NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) February 27, 2025 Then there's the Tippett-Couturier-Michkov line, which might be the most exciting of the two. Matvei Michkov has been electric, rising to the top of the NHL rookie scoring race while dazzling with his puck skills and offensive instincts. Owen Tippett has been playing some of his best hockey of the season, using his speed to generate scoring chances, and Sean Couturier has been the stabilizing force keeping everything running smoothly. If the Flyers are going to take down Winnipeg, these two lines need to keep doing exactly what they've been doing: driving play, creating scoring chances, and making life miserable for opposing defenders. The Jets are a tough defensive team, but they haven't had to deal with a Michkov-style wildcard yet. If he and Tippett can push the pace early, they might be able to break through. 2. The Flyers Are at Their Best When They Play Loose and Creative One of the biggest things that's stood out about the Flyers since coming back from the All-Star break is how much fun they're having. They're playing fast, aggressive hockey, but there's also an element of creativity and freedom to their game that wasn't always there earlier in the season. It's not just dump-and-chase, grind-it-out hockey anymore. They're making plays. They're setting up passes with patience, looking for trailers, and making the extra move to open up space. They're generating scoring chances off the rush and attacking the net with confidence. There's a flow to their game that makes them unpredictable—and that's when they're at their most dangerous. Puck don't lie. #PHIvsPIT | #LetsGoFlyers — Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) February 28, 2025 A team like Winnipeg, which prides itself on structure and disciplined defensive play, doesn't like chaos. They want to control the game, dictate the tempo, and force teams into making safe, predictable plays. If the Flyers get too cautious or play into the Jets' hands by forcing pucks into heavy traffic, they're going to struggle. But if they lean into the free-flowing, instinctive hockey that's been working for them, they might be able to catch Winnipeg off guard. That means Michkov needs to keep doing his thing, Brink should continue weaving his way through defenders, and Tippett should use his speed to break the Jets' structure. If the Flyers play with confidence and let their creativity shine, they give themselves a real shot. 3. The Jets' Goaltending Is Elite—The Flyers Will Need to Solve It Now, let's be real: none of this is going to matter if the Flyers can't figure out how to beat Connor Hellebuyck. The Jets' biggest strength this season has been their goaltending, and Hellebuyck is at the center of it all. He's been a brick wall, posting some of the best numbers in the NHL, stealing games on a regular basis, and making Winnipeg one of the hardest teams to score against. Hellebuyck isn't just good—he's frustratingly good. He makes the easy saves look effortless, but it's his ability to read plays and position himself perfectly that really sets him apart. He doesn't get rattled by rebounds, and he forces shooters into taking low-percentage shots by cutting off angles. The Flyers can't afford to just throw pucks at the net and hope for the best—they need to be intentional about how they attack him. The key? Traffic and second-chance opportunities. The Flyers have to get bodies in front of Hellebuyck, take away his eyes, and make life as uncomfortable as possible for him. That means crashing the net, winning those scrappy battles for rebounds, and forcing him into situations where he has to scramble. If they let him see every shot cleanly, they're in for a long night. It's also going to take patience. The Flyers can't get frustrated if Hellebuyck makes some ridiculous saves—because he will. They just have to stick with their game plan, keep pressing, and wait for their moment. Philadelphia Flyers Forwards: Owen Tippett - Sean Couturier - Matvei Michkov Tyson Foerster - Noah Cates - Bobby Brink Andrei Kuzmenko - Scott Laughton - Travis Konecny Jakob Pelletier - Ryan Poehling - Nicolas Deslauriers Defense: Cam York - Travis Sanheim Nick Seeler - Jamie Drysdale Egor Zamula - Rasmus Ristolainen Goalies: Ivan Fedotov Sam Ersson Winnipeg Jets Forwards: Kyle Connor - Mark Scheifele - Gabriel Vilardi Nikolaj Ehlers - Vladislav Namestnikov - Cole Perfetti Nino Niederreiter - Adam Lowry - Mason Appleton Alex Iafello - Rasmus Kupari - Morgan Barron Defense: Josh Morrissey - Dylan DeMelo Dylan Samberg - Neal Pionk Logan Stanley - Colin Miller Goalies: Connor Hellebuyck Eric Comrie Matvei Michkov Named NHL Rookie Of The Month For February Philadelphia Flyers winger Matvei Michkov has been named the NHL's Rookie of the Month for the month of February. Michkov led all rookies in goals (5) and points (10). Across his 58 games played, the 20-year-old also currently leads all rookies in goals (19) and points (44) on the season after a three-point game (2G, 1A) against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Feb. 27. The Flyers Charities Carnival: A Celebration Of Hockey, Community & Connection There's a moment—one that doesn't show up in official recaps or press releases—that perfectly captures what the Flyers Charities Carnival is all about. Alex Ovechkin Says Flyers Superstar Should 'Show Off A Little Less' In Recent Interview When Washington Capitals legend Alex Ovechkin speaks, people listen—especially when the topic is young Philadelphia Flyers star Matvei Michkov, the most hyped Russian prospect since Ovechkin himself.
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Gameday 59 Preview: Flyers vs. Penguins
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 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 The Flyers Charities Carnival: A Celebration Of Hockey, Community & Connection There's a moment—one that doesn't show up in official recaps or press releases—that perfectly captures what the Flyers Charities Carnival is all about. Andrei Kuzmenko's Opportunity With The Flyers Is A Proving Ground For Hiis Future Andrei Kuzmenko has landed in Philadelphia with something to prove. Three Takeaways From Flyers Emphatic Win vs. Oilers In a spirited return to NHL action following the 4-Nations Face-Off break, the Philadelphia Flyers delivered a commanding 6-3 victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday at the Wells Fargo Center.
