An 11-round shootout win commenced the Philadelphia Flyers’ 2025-2026 preseason last night on the road in Elmont. As with any preseason game, key players such as Sean Couturier, Travis Konecny, and Travis Sanheim sat, allowing the team to evaluate young players and new additions, such as Trevor Zegras, Jack Nesbitt, and both Carson Bjarnason and Aleksei Kolosov.
The first period had the Flyers in the lead 1-0, after a five-hole from Rodrigo Abols with an assist from 2025 12th overall draft pick, 18-year-old Jack Nesbitt. The second period provided the Flyers with three power plays, of which they went 0 for 3. While the second period didn’t go in Philadelphia’s favor, with the Islanders scoring two goals, Matvei Michkov came back for a tying goal with 1:18 left in regulation by a rebound from Drysdale. Also in the third period was Carson Bjarnason’s debut in the orange and black. The twenty-year-old goaltender, who spent the last four years with the Brandon Wheat Kings of the WHL, saved all 17 shots he faced. The Flyers lost another power play in the third period to go 0 for 4 on the night, yet their penalty kill remained strong, going 3 for 3. Their penalty kill was a challenge for the team last season, finishing 20th in the league after finishing 4th in the 2023-2024 season.
Following Philadelphia’s best offseason move, Trevor Zegras played alongside Michkov and Nikita Grebenkin. The line had multiple scoring chances, yet all were unsuccessful. Zegras finished the game with 10 shot attempts, went 4 for 9 in the faceoff circle, and did not score on his shootout attempt. His former teammate in Anaheim, Jamie Drysdale, blocked five shots and recorded an assist with Michkov for the final goal of regulation play. His two-way play last night was a key aspect of their success. Another strong suit of the team was their young goaltending, as the previously mentioned success from Bjarnason, along with Aleksei Kolosov’s 15 saves on 17 shots in the first two periods.
The Flyers look to continue evaluating their young talent heading into Tuesday’s game on the road against Montreal.
Philly's Next Shift 