Flyers Win First Preseason Game in Boston, 4-3 Shootout Victory By: Dylan Robillard

Photo Credit: Philadelphia Flyers on X

An all around team effort made for an exciting game Friday night as the Philadelphia Flyers beat the Boston Bruins 4-3, something they have only been able to do five other times in the preseason. It may have only been a preseason bout but it felt at times like a true meaningful regular season game. 

Cal Petersen was a big concern after a poor performance on Monday against the New Jersey Devils, Petersen surrendered four goals in just the first 5 minutes of the game and five goals through two periods on 24 shots with a .792 save percentage. That stat line alone tells the story looking uncomfortable and sloppy between the pipes which is not something you want to see out of the 28-year-old. However, in Friday nights’ game something clicked, Petersen looked sharp, making a big sprawling save in the closing minutes of the game to force overtime. 

As for the other netminder, Samuel Ersson is not making things easy on management, making for a tough discussion on who should back up Carter Hart. Ersson gave up two goals to David Pastrnak, one on the power play then one on a breakaway. There is no real issue with that, not much a goalie can do. With only three more preseason games at hand, John Tortorella and the Flyers coaching staff will have a lot to consider over the next couple of days.

Old Faces In New Places:

Photo Credit: Philadelphia Flyers on X

Last night was the first time Garnet Hathaway squared off against his old team since signing with the Flyers as a free agent over the summer. No matter the time of year, games between the Bruins and Flyers will always have a spark, Hathaway brought that energy but in a different sweater. Nonetheless, he was not afraid to lay the body, recording a career game-high six hits in the game. 

Taking a look at a few players who have been in house for a couple years, moreso players in desperate need of a bounce back year; Travis Sanheim logged a game-high 28 minutes and 13 seconds of ice time, with 4 shots on goal he was noticeably more offensive well also being sharp defensively. Joel Farabee is another guy that the Flyers need to have a solid year and rightfully so. Like Sanheim, he had a productive evening. Opening up the scoring seven minutes into the first period on a beautiful wrist shot glove side. 

After the Bruins tied it up, the Flyers were given a power play. Spending almost the whole power play in the B’s zone the orange and black were finally rewarded, off a gorgeous passing play between every Flyer on the power play unit. Newly-acquired Ryan Poehling found the back of the net for the second time in as many nights, being the lone goal scorer in Wednesday night's 2-1 loss at the hands of the New York Islanders. 

Bobby Brink is on the brink of not making this team but sure made his case against the Bruins. After a productive camp, Brink earned himself a longer look. He has a really strong hockey IQ and great hands. The 2019 second-round pick has yet to earn himself a full-time roster spot with the Flyers but showed great patience feeding Poehling on the doorstep. 

Brink also notched the game tying goal in the third period when he cut into the slot, beating Ullmark glove side. He was not finished there, getting the call to go first in the shootout he certainly delivered. With a sweet move going cross crease, roofing it over Ullmark’s head, not to mention on the backhand. Morgan Frost would end the shootout beating Linus Ullmark's low glove side, giving the Flyers their first preseason win, 4-3 final. 

Photo Credit: NHL/Philadelphia Flyers

Quick Hits:

Tyson Foerster and Brink are both on the cusp of making the team but have to be one another to earn the job, and both had a solid night. The Flyers top prospect who was expected to be a lock for the Flyers roster did not stand out but tailed an assist and was decent on the backcheck. 

Egor Zamula beefed up this offseason, putting on some desperately needed weight now clocking in at 200 pounds. Playing in his first preseason game tonight, getting 23:32 minutes of ice time, he appeared more confident and comfortable.

The Flyers will play host to the New Jersey Devils in Philadelphia on Saturday night (7 p.m. ET on NBCSP+), to begin a three game home stand to wrap up the preseason. 

Flyers held a morning skate this morning at 10 a.m. ET in Voorhees, New Jersey, the non-game group skated at the same time just on the adjacent rink.