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The Philadelphia Flyers got a much-needed breakthrough in Washington.
Sure, they didn’t walk away with the result they wanted, but they snapped their scoring drought, played with fire, and reminded everyone—including themselves—that they’re still very much in this fight. That’s the kind of game that can reignite a team, and now they’ll look to build on it in Dallas against a high-powered Stars squad.
Dallas is a team that presents challenges across the board. They’ve got depth, skill, and a lethal transition game. But the Flyers have shown all season that they can go toe-to-toe with anyone when they play their game. With a little more execution, a little more finish around the net, and the same relentless energy they brought in Washington, they’ll have every chance to get back in the win column.
1. The Flyers Found Their Fight Again—Now They Need to Finish
When a team hits a dry spell, especially one as frustrating as the Flyers’ recent goal drought, the biggest concern isn’t the lack of goals—it’s the lack of belief.
But if the Washington game proved anything, it’s that this group hasn’t lost faith in themselves. They came out swinging, played with pace, and looked like the Flyers team that’s made life difficult for opponents all season.
The next step? Finishing.
The Flyers had no shortage of chances against the Capitals. They attacked the net, generated rush opportunities, and got bodies in front. It was a noticeable difference from the stagnant play that plagued them during their scoring slump. The problem wasn’t effort—it was execution. Shots missed just wide, goalies made big saves, and some bounces just didn’t go their way.
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That’s where guys like Travis Konecny, Matvei Michkov, and Owen Tippett come in. All three have been dangerous, but they’ve also been just a half-step off from capitalizing. It’s not just on them—this has been a team-wide issue—but those three are catalysts for this offense. And the good news? They’re too talented for this to last much longer.
Hockey is weird like that. One goal, one lucky bounce, and suddenly everything opens up. The Flyers just need to keep creating those chances, and the floodgates will come.
2. The Flyers Need to Keep Their Pace Up
One of the best things about the Washington game was the tempo. The Flyers played fast, aggressive hockey. They forced turnovers, won puck battles, and didn’t let the Capitals dictate the game. That same level of energy is going to be crucial against Dallas.
The Stars are a team that can suffocate opponents when given control of the pace. They thrive in structured, methodical hockey—especially in their defensive zone. But if the Flyers can push the tempo, force them into an up-and-down game, and use their speed to create gaps, they’ll find ways to break through.
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Siobhan Nolan (@SGNolan) on XJohn Tortorella highlights guys like Owen Tippett, Travis Konecny, and Matvei Michkov as needing to get going. Pointed out that Konecny’s scoring slump has been a “big hole” in the #LetsGoFlyers offense as of late.That’s why players like Tippett and Michkov are so important. Tippett’s straight-line speed and ability to cut inside on defenders can open up space in transition, while Michkov’s shiftiness and vision allow him to make plays in tight areas. Pair that with the forechecking tenacity of Konecny, Noah Cates, and Bobby Brink, and the Flyers have a formula for disrupting the Stars’ defensive structure.
This team is at its best when it plays on the front foot. If they let Dallas slow the game down, it plays right into the Stars’ hands. If they keep pushing the pace, they’ll create problems.
3. Containing Dallas’ Top Line Is a Must
If there’s one thing the Flyers cannot afford, it’s letting Jason Robertson, Roope Hintz, and now Mikko Rantanen dictate the game.
Dallas’ top line is one of the most balanced in the league. Robertson is an elite finisher, Hintz is a speedster who can create off the rush, and Rantanen is a big, smart player with a lethal shot. They complement each other well, and if given time and space, they will burn you.
One of the keys will be Sean Couturier’s line. Couturier remains a sharp shutdown center when he’s at his best, and he’ll likely see a lot of Hintz’s line. If he and his wingers can neutralize that threat—or at least limit their damage—it’ll go a long way toward helping the Flyers control the game.
Another big factor? Stay out of the box. Dallas’ power play is lethal, and the last thing the Flyers want is to give them clean looks with the man advantage. Play disciplined, smart hockey, and don’t give them free opportunities.
Final Thoughts
This is another big test for the Flyers, but it’s one they should embrace. They showed against Washington that they’re still in the fight, still generating chances, still pushing for a playoff spot. Now, it’s about execution.
Dallas is a tough opponent, but if the Flyers bring the same energy they did in Washington, keep up their pace, and limit the damage from the Stars’ top line, they’ll give themselves a chance to get back in the win column. And if a few of those scoring chances finally find the back of the net? Even better.
Projected Lines
Philadelphia Flyers
Forwards:
Tyson Foerster - Noah Cates - Bobby Brink
Olle Lycksell - Sean Couturier - Travis Konecny
Owen Tippett - Ryan Poehling - Matvei Michkov
Nicolas Deslauriers - Rodrigo Ābols - Jakob Pelletier
Defense:
Cam York - Travis Sanheim
Nick Seeler - Jamie Drysdale
Egor Zamula - Emil Andrae
Goalies:
Samuel Ersson
Ivan Fedotov
Dallas Stars
Forwards:
Jason Robertson - Roope Hintz - Mikko Rantanen
Mason Marchment - Matt Duchene - Mikael Granlund
Jamie Benn - Wyatt Johnston - Evgenii Dadonov
Oskar Back - Sam Steel - Colin Blackwell
Defense:
Thomas Harley - Ilya Lyubushkin
Esa Lindell - Cody Ceci
Lian Bichsel - Matt Dumba
Goalies:
Jake Oettinger
Casey DeSmith
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