On Saturday, the Philadelphia Flyers will host the New Jersey Devils at Xfinity Mobile Arena for their 20th game of the 2025-26 season. The Flyers, sporting a home record of 7-3-2, are currently 10-6-3 overall. The Devils, holding a 13-6-1 record, have had mixed results on the road with a 6-6-0 mark.
Game time is set for 7:00 p.m. EST, and fans can catch the action on NBCSP.
The Flyers are coming off a thrilling 3-2 overtime win against the St. Louis Blues, where Travis Sanheim scored the game-winner. Rodrigo Abols and Tyson Foerster also contributed goals, with Abols particularly shining in the game.
As the Flyers prepare for this matchup, here are a few key points to consider:
Abols’ Momentum: Abols is riding high after a standout performance, not just for his goal but also for his active involvement in the game. His energy and forechecking will be crucial against New Jersey’s swift-paced lineup. Trevor Zegras, leading the Devils with 20 points, is another player to watch. His recent near-goals, including one that hit the crossbar, show he’s a constant threat.
Defensive Pairing Changes: The Flyers tweaked their defense during the last game, promoting Emil Andrae to play alongside Jamie Drysdale. This switch paid off, as Andrae was one of the top defensive players, even assisting on a critical goal. Coach Rick Tocchet plans to keep an eye on this pairing to see if their combined skills can be effective against the Devils.
Addressing Defensive Lapses: Recently, the Flyers have struggled with defensive coverage, particularly during penalty kills. Mistakes have led to goals from opponents like Dallas’ Jason Robertson and St. Louis’ Justin Faulk. The Flyers need to tighten their defense to avoid giving New Jersey any easy chances.
Impact of Jack Hughes’ Absence: The Devils are without star player Jack Hughes, who is recovering from hand surgery. He’s expected to be out for about eight weeks. Despite this, New Jersey remains a potent team. Luke Hughes is stepping up on defense with 11 points, while Dawson Mercer leads the team in goals. Keeping an eye on Dougie Hamilton, who has four goals this season, will also be vital for Philadelphia.
As the Flyers face the Devils, the blend of individual performances and team strategies will play a crucial role in the outcome. The Flyers need a solid effort to secure a win at home and keep the momentum going.
