Flyers Dominate Oilers 5-2
The Philadelphia Flyers kicked off 2026 with a resounding message to the NHL: they're not just playoff hopefuls—they're legitimate contenders. In a commanding 5-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday at Rogers Place, the Flyers avenged an earlier overtime loss in the season series and showcased the depth, resilience, and emerging talent that's propelled them to a strong 21-12-7 record through 40 games.
Philadelphia exploded for three goals in the first period, stifling Edmonton's high-powered offense and limiting superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl for much of the game. Rookie Denver Barkey opened the scoring with his first career NHL goal, a milestone moment for the 2023 third-round pick (95th overall). Travis Sanheim and Bobby Brink followed suit, building a 3-0 lead that held until McDavid's late first-period tally.
The Oilers clawed back in the second with Evan Bouchard's power-play goal, narrowing it to 3-2, but the Flyers shut the door from there. Nick Seeler restored the two-goal cushion in the third with his first of the season—capping his first multi-point game (1G, 1A)—before Owen Tippett sealed it with an empty-netter.
Goaltender Dan Vladar earned the win with 22 saves on 24 shots, providing the steady backbone Philadelphia has relied on during their recent surge. Calvin Pickard took the loss for Edmonton, stopping 24 of 28.
This win capped a grueling five-game road trip at 3-2-0, highlighting the Flyers' ability to grind out results against tough competition. With contributions up and down the lineup—multi-point efforts from Tippett (1G, 1A), Seeler, and veterans like Sean Couturier (two assists)—Philadelphia demonstrated the balanced attack that's become their hallmark.
Key individual highlights underscored the team's bright future and present competitiveness:
- Denver Barkey: First NHL goal in style, redirecting a perfect setup for a memorable debut marker.
- Travis Sanheim: Fourth goal of the season, tying him for the team lead in defenseman points (18) and vaulting him to sole fourth all-time in Flyers blueliner points (231).
- Bobby Brink: 11th goal, just one shy of his career high, with points in three straight (2G, 1A).
- Nick Seeler: Rare offensive outburst with his first goal and multi-point night.
- Owen Tippett: Fourth multi-point game, now with 10 points (5G, 5A) in nine career games vs. Edmonton.
- Matvei Michkov: Another assist (14th), point in all four games vs. Edmonton (7 points total).
- Sean Couturier: Two helpers, pushing his season total to 18 assists.
Sitting solidly in the Metropolitan Division playoff picture—with models like MoneyPuck projecting around 57% playoff odds—the Flyers are proving their early-season success is no fluke. In a stacked Eastern Conference, wins like this against Western powerhouses build crucial momentum and confidence.
As the calendar turns deeper into the season, Philadelphia's blend of young stars (Michkov, Barkey, Brink) and reliable veterans is positioning them for a long-awaited postseason return—the first since 2020. If they continue playing with this intensity and depth, the Flyers aren't just sneaking into the playoffs; they're building something that could make noise once they get there.
Next up: A well-deserved home stand, starting Tuesday against Anaheim. The playoff chase is heating up, and the Flyers are right in the thick of it. Let's Go Flyers!
-Jesse Bell/ Olde City Sports Network
-Photo Credit: Matt Perretta/Olde City Sports Network