Gameday 30 Preview: Flyers vs. Red Wings

The Philadelphia Flyers are set to face off against the Detroit Red Wings tonight, a matchup that promises excitement as both teams look to build momentum in a competitive season.

With some lineup shuffling and confidence from a string of optimstic performances that they can build on, the Flyers will have a prime opportunity to get rolling on a win streak against the Red Wings.

Aleksei Kolosov Starts In Net

Aleksei Kolosov will be between the pipes tonight, a choice that underscores the Flyers’ measured approach to managing their goaltending situation. While head coach John Tortorella revealed that Kolosov is currently considered Sam Ersson’s backup, with Ivan Fedotov occupying the third place spot, this start is another opportunity for him to showcase his skills and try to become the permanent No. 2 netminder.

Kolosov has made an impression with his poise and athleticism. The 22-year-old combines sharp reflexes with solid positional play, and despite limited NHL experience, he’s shown flashes of brilliance that make a fairly strong argument for the Flyers to keep him in consideration at the NHL level.

Tortorella’s confirmation that Kolosov is the No. 2 reflects the team’s belief in his readiness to take on a more significant role. It’s important to note that this isn’t a “sink or swim” moment. Instead, it’s a carefully calculated opportunity for Kolosov to grow within a structured environment. The Red Wings, with their balanced attack and skilled forwards, will test his abilities, but it’s the kind of challenge that could pay dividends for his long-term development.

Emil Andrae Scratched

Emil Andrae will not dress tonight, but make no mistake—this decision isn’t an indictment of his play. Since being called up, Andrae has been nothing short of seriously impressive. The defenseman has shown composure beyond his years, displaying excellent puck-moving ability, sharp decision-making, and a knack for making impactful plays in all three zones.

Andrae’s vision and hockey IQ have been particularly notable. Whether it’s threading a pass through traffic or stepping into the right position defensively, he’s consistently demonstrated why he’s considered one of the Flyers’ top defensemen right now. In many ways, his play has injected a spark into the Flyers’ blue line, offering a glimpse of the franchise’s future on defense.

So, why is he sitting? The answer lies in a couple of different places. With Jamie Drysdale back from injury and looking good, there are multiple capable defensemen vying for ice time. It wouldn’t be surprising if the decision to sit Andrae partially comes from wanting to give Drysdale more minutes and really get him back into the groove of the game.

There’s also the fact that Andrae suffered a big hit from Mathieu Olivier in the Flyers’ game against the Blue Jackets, which left him very obvious discomfort on the bench afterward. Although he was skating in a full-contact jersey in practice, there’s likely an element of precaution being taken to ensure Andrae stays healthy.

The silver linging is that Andrae’s time on the sidelines will likely be brief. His skill set and recent performances make him too valuable to keep out of the lineup for too long. For now, the Flyers will draw Egor Zamula into the lineup to replace him.

Improved Puck Support Driving Offensive Success

One of the most encouraging trends for the Flyers in recent games has been their improved puck support. This subtle yet critical aspect of their game has been a driving force behind their more effective offense. Simply put, the Flyers are working better as a unit, supporting the puck carrier more consistently and creating layers of options on the attack.

Puck support is often an underappreciated component of offensive success, but it’s a foundational principle for any team aiming to generate sustained pressure. For the Flyers, this has manifested in cleaner zone exits, more efficient neutral-zone transitions, and better puck possession in the offensive zone. Players are reading off each other more effectively, anticipating where the puck is going and positioning themselves accordingly.

A prime example of this improvement can be seen in the performance of the Tippett–Frost–Michkov line. Although their efforts haven’t always translated into goals, the chemistry between these three has been palpable. Owen Tippett’s power-forward style complements Morgan Frost’s playmaking ability, while Matvei Michkov adds a layer of creativity and unpredictability that keeps opponents on their heels. The trio has been generating high-quality scoring chances and controlling play at five-on-five, a testament to the Flyers’ commitment to better puck support.