Flyers rolled past Sabres 5-2 in a high‑scoring showcase that tested the team’s mental resilience and exposed the impact of key injuries.
Game Overview
The win came at Xfinity Mobile Arena, just a day after the Flyers learned that Tyson Foerster would miss two to three months with an upper‑body injury. Head coach Rick Tocchet said Wednesday night’s matchup would be a “good test” for the squad to see where it was “mentally.” The Flyers’ offense answered with five goals, while the Sabres managed two.
Scoring Breakdown
Travis Konecny, Trevor Zegras, Bobby Brink, Noah Cates and Owen Tippett each found the back of the net, giving the Flyers a 15‑8‑3 record. Ten players recorded at least a point, and five posted multi‑point efforts. Konecny’s goal came on a power play, as did Zegras’ second, after the Sabres challenged the play and the challenge was unsuccessful, putting the Flyers back on the power play.
Momentum Shift
A week and a half after ripping off three first‑period goals in 26 seconds against the Devils, the Flyers jumped on Buffalo with three in 59 seconds of the opening stanza. The rapid burst flipped a 1‑0 deficit into a two‑goal lead before the halfway mark of the period. By the second intermission the Flyers were in total control.
Penalties and Power Plays
The Flyers committed a couple of early penalties and fell down 1‑0 on Jason Zucker’s power‑play goal. After the power‑play spurt, Tippett said, “I think we took advantage of our power‑play chances early. That kind of set us up for the rest of the game.” Goaltender Colten Ellis allowed five goals on 35 shots.
Key Players and Absences
Samuel Ersson played well, converting 27 saves on 29 shots. Konecny praised him, saying, “He was fantastic.” Foerster, who was in the locker room giving teammates high fives, was noted by Zegras: “We all saw him. He’s still here.” The Flyers’ balanced scoring was crucial in Foerster’s absence.
Line Dynamics
Cates and Brink looked very good being back on a line together. Nikita Grebenkin, who is set for an expanded role, joined their line and had an assist. Brink remarked, “He showed a lot of talent, a lot of hard work, won his battles, made a lot of good plays. It was a treat to play with him.”
Physical Play and Injuries
Zegras’ goal was his 10th. The 24‑year‑old forward was shaken up after being boarded by Rasmus Dahlin with 3:10 minutes left in the second period. Zegras was OK, staying in the game, while Dahlin was hit with a five‑minute major penalty and game misconduct. Cam York was not on the bench for the third period; his upper‑body injury was deemed day‑to‑day. Tocchet said, “We were trying to look for it, but I think he got hit behind the net, a little bit late or something. But I haven’t talked to the doctors.”
Recovery Updates
Rasmus Ristolainen, wearing a non‑contact jersey, took part in the Flyers’ morning skate Wednesday. The 31‑year‑old defenseman had not skated with the team this season before, having recovered from surgery in March on a second triceps tendon rupture. Ristolainen is now working with the Flyers’ assistant coaches rather than in a rehab setting. Tocchet added after the morning skate, “Do I have an exact date? No, but it’s not a month and it’s not a week.”
Schedule Outlook
After playing six games in 10 days, the Flyers go the next three days without a game before returning to action Sunday when they host the NHL‑leading Avalanche at 1 p.m. ET on NBCSP.
Key Takeaways
- Flyers dominate Sabres 5‑2, capitalizing on power plays and a rapid 59‑second goal spree.
- Tyson Foerster will miss two to three months with an upper‑body injury.
- Rasmus Ristolainen’s return from triceps tendon surgery is progressing, with a potential return in December.
The Flyers’ decisive victory showcases their offensive depth and resilience, while injuries continue to shape the team’s lineup heading into the next stretch of the season.
