‘That’s Playoff Hockey’: Flyers Thrive in Playoff-Like Environment

Where to even begin with this game? There is so much to talk about from the Philadelphia Flyers’ 5-2 win against the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday night at Xfinity Mobile Arena.

It was a playoff-like environment in South Philadelphia, and the Flyers battled like a playoff team. There was personal meaning behind the game, an animated crowd, and a ton of physicality.

“That’s playoff hockey, and we feel like we’re a playoff team,” said Flyers’ defenseman Cam York.

Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet chimed in on the overall environment, saying, “I just remember the days when I played; That was a loud building tonight. [The Crowd] was awesome. They really gave our team some juice, even when [the Ducks] scored first. They didn’t let up.”

I can confidently say, in my little over a year covering this team, that was the craziest environment I have seen, topping the Anaheim game from last season. It’s become clear that these two teams do not like each other, and that created a tense, physical battle. It did not faze the Flyers, as they cruised to the win.

Read More: Trevor Zegras Powers Flyers to 5-2 Win vs. Former Team

Zegras was thinking about this game for “a long time”

Trevor Zegras was downplaying his anticipation for his matchup with his former club. Even on Tuesday morning, the Flyers’ forward chose his words carefully, not letting how much this night meant to him slip.

After scoring two goals, leading Philadelphia to the 5-2 win, Zegras finally let loose, sharing how much this game meant to him. “I’ve been thinking about this game for a long time,” Zegras shared after the game.

That did not need to be said. You could see it on the ice. Zegras, while still playing exceptional hockey, has not been as flashy as the Trevor Zegras of the past. He pulled out all the stops on Tuesday. Well, all but one, we have yet to see a Michigan attempt.

Still, Zegras put on a show for his new home crowd, in front of the team he once suited up for.

His celebrations, well, those might have had some hidden meaning behind them as well.

After the game, Zegras was asked about his celebration, where he hung up a phone. He told Scott Hartnell and the Flyers’ broadcasters, “I don’t know, that’s about how quick the phone call was before.”

One can only assume he was referring to the Ducks’ call informing him of his trade to Philadelphia.

What a night for Trevor Zegras and the Philadelphia Flyers.

Read More: Bobby Brink, Jamie Drysdale Exit Flyers Game vs. Ducks on Tuesday With Injury

Flyers played with edge

Trevor Zegras was not the only Flyer playing with some juice. It felt like the whole team had some sort of swagger going on.

One player that stood out was Owen Tippett, who really looked like he had his legs on Tuesday. Truthfully, I am shocked that he did not end up on the scoresheet on Tuesday. Tippett had his speed and skill on full display throughout the game.

Garnet Hathaway made an impact in typical Hathaway fashion: laying big hits. The Flyers’ fourth-liner played his energy role perfectly vs. the Ducks. He made a handful of crushing hits that energized his team and even dropped the gloves with Radko Gudas.

Speaking of fighting, Noah Cates got after it with Jansen Harkins. That’s right, Noah Cates fought. He came to the defense of Bobby Brink, who exited the game after colliding with Harkins. Cates was a goal away from a Gordie Howe hat trick. Although I am still sort of convinced he got his stick on the Cam York goal, so who knows, maybe by morning he’ll have it.

Nikita Grebenkin drew back into the lineup after Matvei Michkov was precautionarily scratched with a foot injury. You could see Grebenkin was itching to get out there. The young Flyer was not afraid of the physicality, being right in the mix every time. While on the ice, it seemed like he was on every puck, getting involved in battles and keeping possessions alive. I really liked his game and thought it was fitting that he got the score with the dagger.

Dan Vladar faced off against Lukas Dostal, likely his main competition for the starting job in the Olympics for Czechia. After round one, the advantage goes to Vladar. He did not see much action on Tuesday, but stopped 16 of the 18 Ducks’ shots, including a couple of miraculous saves. He could have been cleaner, but still, Vladar earned the most important stat: the win.

It wasn’t ALL perfect

If there was any negative aspect of the Flyers’ play on Tuesday, it was special teams. Anaheim gave Philadelphia eight chances on the man-advantage. EIGHT. The Flyers scored just one, Zegras’ second tally.

On the other side, the Ducks had three power-play chances, cashing in on two. Both of their goals came with the man-advantage.

The Flyers played a great game overall, but special teams was an area that can still see great improvement. They’ll have one practice to clean up the special teams before their matchup with the Maple Leafs on Thursday.

Read More: Flyers Prospect Jack Berglund Brings Home the Gold at 2026 World Juniors