Winners: 3 Thoughts from Flyers 3-2 Shootout Win vs. Islanders

The Philadelphia Flyers are off to a 1-0 start to the 2025 NHL preseason after a 3-2 shootout victory over the New York Islanders on Sunday night.

Sunday’s contest showed us a lot. While both teams could definitely use a tune-up before the regular season, let alone their next games, there was a lot to like from the Flyers.

For starters, the Flyers, like the Islanders, went with their AHL tandem for the goalies. Each Islander goaltender gave up a score. Aleksei Kolosov gave up the two goals against the Flyers. The young Belarusian netminder looked strong to start the game, but certainly slipped as time went on. Kolosov was eventually replaced by Carson Bjarnason, who was 15 for 15 in saves.

Rodrigo Abols netted the first goal of the game, taking advantage of an early mistake made by 2025 No. 1 overall pick Matthew Schaefer. Jack Nesbitt, the 2025 12th overall pick, intercepted Schaefer’s pass in the neutral zone, then found Abols for the easy score to take the early lead.

As I mentioned earlier, Kolosov had a great start. While allowing two goals is certainly not a bad night, it is the preseason, so he was pulled so Bjarnason could work in. Both Islander goals came in the second period, one by Kyle Palmieri and the other by Marshall Warren.

The Islanders would hold on to that lead until there were less than three minutes remaining in regulation. Matvei Michkov picked right up where he left off.

Michkov found Jamie Drysdale at the blueline, who sent a shot in, but it bounced off the goaltender’s pad. Michkov was in the right place at the right time and buried the rebound shot. With less than three minutes to go, the game was tied.

The game would go to overtime, where the game winner was never scored, so after the first 65 minutes of hockey this season, the game went to a shootout.

Michkov, Noah Cates, and Rodrigo Abols scored for the Flyers. Mat Barzal, Tony DeAngelo, and Luca Romano scored for the Islanders. It was Emil Andrae who ended it in the 11th frame, scoring for the Flyers. The game ended with a score of 3-2.

Read More: Flyers Primer: Lineup vs. Islanders, Preseason Game 1, How to Watch

Three Takeaways from the Flyers’ Game vs. the Islanders

Puck Movement!

As a team, but more specifically the top line of Nikita Grebenkin, Trevor Zegras, and Matevi Michkov, moved the puck extremely well. It was a thing of beauty. I can’t really remember the last time I watched the Flyers play, and puck movement was one of the things that stood out the most.

In all seriousness, it felt like the Flyers were shooting pretty much as soon as they touched the puck last season. Whether it was even strength or power play, it seemed like there was no movement and no patience. On Sunday night, it felt like there was actual structure. Again, there is definitely room for improvement. It was the first game; things were always going to look sloppy. However, it was very encouraging to see this.

To play devil’s advocate here – the Islanders certainly did not have their A-team out there all night either. Michkov and Zegras should be able to move the puck cleanly around a line of AHLers.

Regardless, seeing the puck movement was encouraging. That will be something to keep an eye on as more of the NHL players get into action.

No Sophomore Slump for Michkov

Yes, it was one preseason game. However, Matvei Michkov did not seem to lose a step. He picked up right where he left off. The young Flyers’ phenom scored the game-tying score, a dazzling shootout tally, and six total shots. Michkov was generating offense with his skating and stick skills. Yes, Michkov also had a Michigan attempt.

The second year is always a bit tricky for young players. Many players seem to take a step backwards, rather than forwards. Michkov looks like he is ready to crush his numbers from last season.

It should be an exciting year under Rick Tocchet. Michkov is bound to get top power-play time. He will have the chance to be more creative on offense. Not to mention, the Flyers will have a more talented top-nine than they did last year, giving Michkov the chance to play with someone who matches his skill.

After one preseason game, you can start to feel good about year two Michkov.

Keep the Nesbitt Receipts

Jack Nesbitt looked excellent. Not exactly “shock the world and make the roster”, but good enough to the point where we can really start to see why Keith Jones, Dan Hilferty, and Danny Briere loved this kid in the draft.

Nesbitt has the combination of size, skill, and IQ that can make him a staple in the NHL for a long time. His skating was holding him back. He has already shown significant improvement.

Nesbitt looked like he belonged on Sunday night. He looked like a future NHLer. Nitpicking a bit, I would like to see some more work done at the dot. Nesbitt went 3-for-10 on the draw during his first preseason game. Not ideal, but again, it was his first preseason game.

Seeing him skate well and make plays is exactly what you want to see during the preseason. I’d like to see him continue that and bring everything he has learned this preseason back to Windsor.

The Flyers’ next preseason game is Tuesday in Montreal against the Canadiens, with the puck drop slated for 7:00 p.m.

Read More: PhHN Daily: Flyers Preseason; Anger in Pittsburgh Over Land