PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Matvei Michkov and Sean Couturier each had a goal and two assists, Owen Tippett scored two goals, and the Philadelphia Flyers triumphed over the Edmonton Oilers 6-3 on Saturday afternoon.
This match marked the first game back for both teams following the 4 Nations break, and the Flyers seized the opportunity to claim victory on home ice at the Wells Fargo Center. Michkov made his presence felt right away, scoring just over two minutes after the puck dropped. After initially missing the net during a 2-on-2 rush, Michkov expertly followed up on the rebound, slotting the puck past Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner, who recorded 26 saves on the day.
The scoring onslaught continued as John Klingberg of the Oilers responded with his own goal, marking his first since joining Edmonton, followed by Leon Draisaitl’s league-leading 41st goal. Draisaitl capitalized on the moment, scoring on an uncontested backhand after being set up by rookie Matt Savoie, who earned his first NHL point.
Later in the first period, Owen Tippett brought the Flyers back to life with his solo effort, skillfully tying the game at two apiece. He maneuvered through the Oilers' defense after chipping the puck ahead. Tippett beat Skinner with a deft backhand shot, demonstrating his speed and determination. Michkov’s contributions didn’t stop there; he found Couturier with another perfect pass, resulting in Couturier’s 200th career goal, giving the Flyers the lead once more.
But the Oilers weren’t done yet. Mattias Ekholm scored shortly after Couturier’s goal, making it 3-3 and keeping the momentum alive for Edmonton. Nonetheless, the Flyers quickly regained control; Tippett struck again with his second goal of the game, deftly assisted by Michkov and Couturier. At this point, Michkov had already provided two assists, clearly proving himself as the linchpin of Philadelphia’s offense.
The second period was filled with electrifying action as Andrei Kuzmenko, recently acquired by the Flyers from Calgary, scored his first goal with the team during a power play, making things 5-3. Kuzmenko redirected Travis Konecny’s slap pass, showcasing the new addition's ability to fit seamlessly within the Flyers' system.
To wrap things up, Rasmus Ristolainen scored the final goal of the match, sealing the deal with just over three minutes remaining on the clock. This empty-netter capped off the game—a fitting end to a thrilling affair where the Flyers’ offense shone brightly.
Throughout the match, Philadelphia maintained pressure and demonstrated strategic play. They effectively kept Edmonton—who had one of the best goal differentials in the NHL—on their toes, limiting their chances particularly during the third period when the Flyers managed to block shots and hold the Oilers to just three shots on goal.
Though both teams faced criticisms for their defensive lapses, Saturday’s game saw the Flyers flex their offensive prowess. With Michkov leading the charge and Tippett, Couturier, and Kuzmenko contributing significantly, fans found themselves buoyant at home as the team moved closer to contention.
Next for the Flyers is the anticipated match against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday, February 25, at 7 p.m. EST, as they look to build on their momentum. Meanwhile, the Oilers will face the Washington Capitals on the road at 11 a.m. MST the following day, hoping to bounce back from this unexpected defeat.