Flyers Show Fight But Fall To Canadiens In Preseason Thriller

September 23, 2025 – Bell Centre, Montreal

In a spirited preseason clash at the Bell Centre, the Philadelphia Flyers fell 4-2 to the Montreal Canadiens, dropping their record to 1-1 in the early stages of their four-game road trip. Despite the loss, there were plenty of bright spots for a Flyers team brimming with new faces and renewed energy, giving fans reason to feel optimistic about the season ahead.

Game Recap

Photo Credit: Leah Hollenbach/Olde City Sports Network

The Canadiens came out strong, striking twice in the first period with goals from Cole Caufield and Florian Xhekaj, putting the Flyers in an early 2-0 hole. Montreal’s rookie goaltender, Jakub Dobes, was flawless in the opening frame, stopping all nine shots he faced to secure a shutout period.

The Flyers, however, showed resilience in the second period, clawing their way back into the game. Anthony Richard, who recorded six points in 15 games with Philadelphia last season, got the Flyers on the board with a well-placed shot, cutting the deficit to 2-1. Later in the period, Owen Tippett, in his first preseason appearance, showcased his scoring prowess with a power-play goal, tying the game at 2-2. Tippett, who notched 20 goals last season, looked sharp and ready to build on his offensive contributions.

Montreal regained the lead before the second period ended, with Nick Suzuki capitalizing on a defensive lapse to make it 3-2. In the third, Arber Xhekaj sealed the deal for the Canadiens, scoring to extend their lead to 4-2. Despite a late push from the Flyers, Montreal’s goaltending tandem of Dobes (9/9 saves) and Kaapo Kahkonen (10/12 saves) held firm, securing the 4-2 victory.

Philadelphia’s goaltending duties were split between Samuel Ersson, who stopped 7 of 9 shots, and Alexei Kolosov, who made 12 saves on 14 shots. While the loss stings, the Flyers’ ability to battle back from a two-goal deficit against a talented Montreal squad is a promising sign.

Bright Spots for the Flyers

The game marked the preseason debut for five Flyers: Alex Bump, Christian Dvorak, Matthew Gard, Ethan Samson, and Dennis Gilbert. Each brought energy and showed flashes of potential. Dvorak, acquired via free agency this offseason, picked up an assist, signaling his playmaking ability could be a key asset this season. Likewise, Dennis Gilbert, another offseason addition, contributed an assist in his debut, adding depth to Philadelphia’s blue line.

Travis Sanheim, who led Flyers defensemen with 30 points last season, continued to show his offensive instincts with an assist, reinforcing his role as a cornerstone on the back end. Up front, Rodrigo Abols led the team with three shots, displaying an aggressive approach that could translate to more scoring chances as the preseason progresses.

Reasons for Optimism

While the final score favored Montreal, the Flyers’ performance was far from discouraging. The team showed grit, erasing an early 2-0 deficit against a Canadiens roster featuring dynamic talents like Caufield and Suzuki. The power-play goal from Tippett is particularly encouraging, as Philadelphia looks to improve its special teams play heading into the regular season. The debuts of Dvorak, Gilbert, and others suggest the Flyers’ offseason moves have added depth and versatility, which could pay dividends as the roster gels.

With two more road games to fine-tune their game, the Flyers have an opportunity to build chemistry and momentum. The flashes of offensive spark from Richard and Tippett, combined with the steady contributions from veterans like Sanheim, provide a solid foundation to build on. If the goaltending tandem of Ersson and Kolosov can find consistency, Philadelphia could be a tough team to beat come October.

Looking Ahead

The Flyers’ next preseason test will be another chance to showcase their revamped roster and growing cohesion. While there’s work to be done, the effort and potential displayed in Montreal are reasons to be hopeful. With key players stepping up and new additions making their mark, the Flyers are trending in the right direction as they prepare for the regular season. Fans should feel cautiously optimistic—these Flyers have the pieces to make some noise in 2025-26.

- Jesse Bell / Olde City Sports Network

- Photo Credit: Leah Hollenbach/Olde City Sports Network