The Philadelphia Flyers are in the midst of a historic transition. After entering February with the third-worst record in the Eastern Conference, they find themselves in a playoff spot with five games remaining. Their chances of making the dance, according to Hockey statistics, sit at 60%.
Veterans have played a major role in this remarkable revival. However, encouragingly, children have shown even more opposition. They help this run.
Flyers’ Top Players As of Feb. 2
As of Feb. 2, Flyers 15–6–2. They are third in percentage, behind only the Buffalo Sabers and Montreal Canadiens, according to Natural Stat Trick. Over the past two months, the Orange and Black have been one of the toughest teams in the NHL to beat. Why is that?
During this period, the Flyers’ defense and goaltending were solid. Their 5-on-5 save percentage ranks second in the league, and their save percentage ranks fourth. The defensive linemen stepped up their puck-moving game and generally avoided the breakdown.
When you look at the individual scores, none really stand out. Instead, the Flyers have a few key contributors. Five players have 15 or more points, and they are as follows: Noah Cates (17), Owen Tippett (16), Christian Dvorak (15), Matvei Michkov (15), and Trevor Zegras (15).
When we switch to points per 60 minutes—an average metric rather than an absolute total—the youth really shines. The top five went as follows: Alex Bump (2.74), Cates (2.73), Porter Martone (2.66), Michkov (2.51), and Tippett (2.33).
Although the measurement metrics are just that, the results are good to see. Three of the Flyers’ top 60 point scorers are under the age of 23. When Bump, Martone, and Michkov jump over the boards, they seize the opportunity.
Bump, Martone, and Michkov’s Late Brilliance
The impact of the aforementioned trio—Bump, Martone, and Michkov—was especially felt in the two biggest games of the season: against the New York Islanders (April 3) and the Boston Bruins (April 5).
With third place in the Metropolitan Division wide open, the Flyers vs. The Islanders had to win on both sides and it was expected to be close. But on the road, the Orange and Black prevailed in a 4–1 decision.
That match was the Bump and Michkov show. In 5-on-5 play, the duo outscored the Islanders 3-0, had an expected goal share of 96.6% when paired together, and combined for two goals and three assists. The 22-year-old and 21-year-old are determined for their team to win—that’s saying a lot.
While the Bruins almost had the top wildcard spot locked up, a win was a must for the Flyers. In a low-scoring contest, it was Martone who broke Boston. He had a nice assist to set up a 2-on-1 chase in the defense in the first half, then capped things off in overtime with his first NHL goal.
Related: 2 Takeaways From Flyers’ Massive 2–1 OT Win Over Bruins
Star No. 1 against the Islanders was Michkov. Star No. 1 against the Bruins was Martone. When the Flyers needed someone to step up big, it was the kids who took over. Thanks to their efforts, Philadelphia has a better chance than not hosting its first playoff game since 2018 in the coming weeks.
The Flyers’ veterans are still getting the majority of the ice time. So, even though the Orange and Black are a team of teenagers on paper, it would be misleading to say that teenagers are solely responsible for all of this—that would mean elevating the roles of Bump, Martone, Michkov, and others. But no matter how they are used, children drive this impossible run.
Statistics courtesy of Hockey Stats and Natural Stat Trick
