In a remarkable display of resilience, the Philadelphia Flyers have established themselves as a formidable force in the NHL following regulation-time losses. With a record of 13-1-5 in such games, much of the credit goes to goaltender Dan Vladar, who consistently bounces back after challenging outings. After a practice at the Flyers Training Center in Voorhees, N.J., head coach Rick Tocchet praised Vladar’s contributions to the team’s success, highlighting the importance of team spirit.
Vladar’s performance has become a cornerstone of the Flyers’ strategy. “I think he’s a byproduct of that team resilience,” Tocchet stated. The team’s ability to avoid prolonged losing streaks is a testament to both the goalies and the collective effort of the players. “It’s hard to do. We’re avoiding those three-four-five losses,” Tocchet added, acknowledging how Vladar has managed to shake off poor starts effectively.
Vladar himself reflected on the challenges of an 82-game season, acknowledging that winning every match is unrealistic. “We know in this locker room there’s a next level for us,” he said. His determination to bring energy to each game has resonated with his teammates, who are committed to performing for the fans. “They’ve been the seventh player on the ice for us,” Vladar noted, emphasizing the crucial support from the crowd.
Achieving his 15th win of the season against Edmonton marked a new career high for Vladar, who will participate in his 25th game against Anaheim on Tuesday. Despite the increased workload, he maintains a positive outlook, stating, “I feel great. Still hungry. I’m glad for the opportunity.” His previous career high for games played stands at 30, and he is managing his practice time to accommodate the demands.
The Flyers’ defensive strategy has also been pivotal. “We’re not trying to exchange chances with other teams,” Vladar explained. The team plays a system that has proven effective, allowing them to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Defenseman Cam York praised Vladar’s leadership, noting his confidence on the ice. “He’s got a swagger. You can feel it as a player,” York said, underscoring Vladar’s influence on the team’s morale.
In other team news, forward Matvei Michkov did not participate in Monday’s practice due to an injury sustained from a puck to his left foot during the game in Edmonton. Tocchet confirmed that Michkov is undergoing evaluation for the injury.
Newcomer Trevor Zegras has quickly integrated into the Flyers’ lineup, forming a notable partnership with Travis Konecny. Their line, alongside Christian Dvorak, has faced top defensive matchups, including a challenging encounter with star player Connor McDavid from the Edmonton Oilers. “That’s where Trevor and Travis use that as a motivation,” Tocchet remarked, highlighting their determination to contain elite players.
Meanwhile, rookie Denver Barkey celebrated his first NHL goal during the game in Edmonton, marking a significant milestone in his early career. “For 10 seconds you’re on Cloud 9,” Barkey reflected, emphasizing how the experience boosts his confidence as he continues to develop as a player. Tocchet has previously commended Barkey for his high hockey IQ and fearless playing style.
In a noteworthy achievement, goaltender Aleksei Kolosov was named AHL Player of the Week after a stellar performance, going 2-0 with a remarkable 0.50 goals-against average and a .984 save percentage. His efforts included a 31-save shutout against Hershey and a 29-save performance on his birthday in a win against Toronto. Tocchet recognized the importance of having depth in goaltending within the organization. “They’re trying to get up. It’s a domino effect,” he said, acknowledging the healthy competition within the ranks.
As the Flyers continue to demonstrate their resilience and determination this season, the contributions of players like Vladar, Zegras, and Barkey will be crucial as they aim for success in the competitive landscape of the NHL.
