NHL Daily: Flyers Building ‘Foundation,’ 2 Panthers Protest ‘Pride Night’

The Philadelphia Flyers are on a roll, collecting points in four straight games.

They are hurting their chances in the draft-lottery, but they don’t care.

Their focus is on setting the stage for success in 2023-24.

“We’re playing real well of late,” said defenseman Tony DeAngelo, whose team jolted Minnesota in overtime, 5-4, on Thursday. “I think it’s good to try to lay this foundation, kind of get ready for next year.”

The Flyers’ offense, doormat for most of the season, has erupted for 19 goals in the last four games. They have gone 3-0-1 in that span,

“You see guys getting confidence,” DeAngelo said, mentioning Joel Farabee (goals in four straight games) and Tyson Foerster (six points in his seven NHL games).

During the homestand, the Flyers have gone from the league’s fifth-worst record to the seventh-worst mark.

While the Flyers won again, Florida, which is fighting for its playoff lives, dropped a key 6-2 decision to visiting Toronto. The Panthers remained a point behind Pittsburgh in the race for the final wild-card spot.

Two Florida players — Eric and Marc Staal  — skipped Pride Night warmups, citing religious beliefs. The Flyers’ Ivan Provorov took a similar stance before a game in January.

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Around the NHL and National Hockey Now

Philly Hockey Now: James van Riemsdyk had the only shootout goal as the Flyers rallied past Minnesota, 5-4. Tyson Foerster, 21, scored a key goal to trigger John Tortorella’s 700th career win. Philadelphia Flyers.

Florida Hockey Now: The Staal brothers made a stir with their decision. The Panthers then went out and were whipped by Toronto. Florida Panthers.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The Penguins missed a chance to open the gap on Florida as it lost in Dallas, 3-2. Pittsburgh was without its go-to goalie, Tristan Jarry, who was injured the previous night in Colorado. Pittsburgh Penguins.

Montreal Hockey Now: Montreal is now four points behind the Flyers after a 4-2 loss in Boston. The Habs have lost 10 of their last 12 to gain ground in the draft-lottery race. Montreal Canadiens.

Boston Hockey Now: David Pasternak scored his 49th goal, a career high, in the Bruins’ win over the Canadiens. It was their fifth straight victory. Boston Bruins.

Detroit Hockey Now: Detroit, the Flyers’ next opponent, blew a 2-0 lead and fell to St. Louis, 4-3. The Wings are in a 3-10-1 skid. Detroit Red Wings.