Flyers

Flyers vs. Ducks Preview: Back to Work

By
Kevin Durso
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Kevin Durso Sports Editor

I have been writing for Sports Talk Philly since 2011. Currently editor and lead writer of Philadelphia Flyers coverage. Co-host of the YWT Podcast. I also am Flyers insider for 97.3 ESPN-FM in South Jersey. I graduated from Cabrini University in 2014.

All posts by Kevin Durso
Sports Editor

Published28 Dec 2024

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Flyers-Ducks Away

The Flyers limped into the holiday break with a 7-3 loss to Pittsburgh on Monday night, bringing their December record to 3-6-1 and their season record to 15-16-4. The last five games have particularly been a struggle, with the Flyers allowing 28 goals.

Now back after four days off, the Flyers look to get things back on track. They start a five-game road trip against the Anaheim Ducks on Saturday afternoon.

Game time is 4 p.m.

Team Leaders

Philadelphia Flyers GP G A P Anaheim Ducks GP G A P
Travis Konecny 35 16 25 41 Troy Terry 33 9 16 25
Matvei Michkov 33 11 16 27 Frank Vatrano 32 9 8 17
Owen Tippett 35 11 11 22 Ryan Strome 33 5 11 16
Travis Sanheim 35 6 14 20 Alex Killorn 33 7 8 15
Sean Couturier 33 7 11 18 Mason McTavish 27 4 10 14

Flyers Ducks Players to Watch

Matvei Michkov has hit a wall of late. After picking up 10 points on a five-game points streak entering December, he has gone six straight games without a point.

Cutter Gauthier faces the Flyers for the first time since being traded to Anaheim last January. Gauthier has one goal and three assists in 11 games this month.

Flyers Ducks Goalie Matchup

Sam Ersson gets the start for the Flyers. Ersson struggled again in his last start on Monday, allowing five goals on 14 shots in two periods before exiting. Ersson has allowed 24 goals in six games since returning from injury.

Lukas Dostal is expected to start for the Ducks. Dostal made 19 saves on 22 shots in relief on Monday against Vegas. He made 21 saves on 25 shots in a win over Utah in his last start on Sunday.

Projected Lineups

Flyers Lines

Flyers Scratches: Nick Deslauriers (injury), Ivan Fedotov (healthy), Olle Lycksell (healthy), Erik Johnson (healthy)

Ducks Lines

Ducks Scratches: Trevor Zegras (injury), Brock McGinn (injury), Pavel Mintyukov (healthy)

Lineup Notes

  • Flyers: Scott Laughton moves to the first line with Sean Couturier and Travis Konecny. Joel Farabee will play with Ryan Poehling and Garnet Hathaway on the fourth line. No other changes are expected.
  • Ducks: Brock McGinn left Monday’s game with an injury and is expected to be out.

Game Notes

  • Power Play: Flyers (15.6% – 27th), Ducks (13.9% – 30th)
  • Penalty Kill: Flyers (77.8% – 21st), Ducks (74.0% – 28th)
  • Recent History vs. Ducks 
    • Nov. 10, 2023 – Flyers 6, Ducks 3 (at ANA)
    • Oct. 28, 2023 – Ducks 7, Flyers 4 (at PHI)
  • Team Leaders vs. Ducks
    • Sean Couturier – 16 GP, 9 G, 9 A, 18 P
    • Bobby Brink – 2 GP, 0 G, 2 A, 2 P
    • Joel Farabee – 6 GP, 2 G, 4 A, 6 P
    • Sam Ersson – 4 GP, 3-1-0, 3.26 GAA, .891 SV%
  • Milestone Watch
    • Travis Konecny plays in his 600th NHL game today.
    • Bobby Brink plays in his 100th NHL game today.
    • Sean Couturier needs two goals to reach 200 for his career.

Where to Watch

  • TV: NBC Sports Philadelphia
  • Radio: Flyers Broadcast Network