The Philadelphia Flyers fell 4-3 in overtime to the Boston Bruins in a tightly contested matchup that showcased flashes of brilliance from the Flyers, moments of frustration with the officiating, and a strong performance from rookie goaltender Aleksei Kolosov.
Despite the result, the Flyers can take several lessons from the game as they continue to prove they belong in conversations about competitive teams.
Matvei Michkov Continues to Shine
Matvei Michkov delivered his first NHL multi-goal game in style, netting two first-period goals to give the Flyers an early advantage. His first goal came off a beautiful one-timer, demonstrating his knack for finding open space and capitalizing with precision. The second, a well-timed tap that was perfectly placed to go right by Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman’s bottom right corner.
With these two goals, Michkov not only reinforced his reputation as a generational talent but also showcased his ability to step up in big games. Against a perennial powerhouse like Boston, Michkov’s composure and offensive instincts stood out. At just 19 years old, he’s already becoming one of the Flyers’ most consistent and electrifying players, and his chemistry with teammates like Owen Tippett and Morgan Frost continues to evolve.
Michkov’s performance isn’t just a bright spot for the Flyers’ future—it’s a testament to the impact he’s having right now. Currently leading all NHL rookies with 23 points, Michkov is leaving little room for anyone to argue against him as the league’s brightest newcomer.
A Great Team Effort Marred by Officiating
The Flyers played a strong game, matching Boston stride for stride and responding to every bit of physicality the Bruins used to try and throw them off their game. Cam York’s second-period goal, a beautifully executed wrist shot from the point, underscored the team’s offensive depth and ability to generate scoring chances from all areas of the ice.
However, the game wasn’t without controversy. Questionable officiating decisions marred what could have been a clean, competitive contest. Several missed calls against the Bruins, combined with some harsh penalties on the Flyers, shifted momentum in Boston’s favor. The disparity in calls allowed the Bruins to claw their way back into the game, tying it late and ultimately securing the win in overtime.
Head coach John Tortorella was frustrated with the referees throughout the game, and made it known how displeased he was after the final whistle, starting his postgame press conference by telling the media, “One thing I teach my team to not do is dive. Maybe I should start teaching them that, the way this [game] has gone here, the way this s— goes on, maybe I should start teaching them how to dive.”
Another Promising Performance For Kolosov
In just his sixth NHL start, Aleksei Kolosov delivered another impressive performance, particularly when facing high-danger chances. Kolosov made 27 saves, several of them highlight-reel stops, including doing a near-split to stop a shot that highlighted his athleticism.
Winslow Townson-Imagn Images
Kolosov’s ability to remain composed under pressure was especially critical in a game where the Bruins were relentless in the final minutes of regulation and into overtime. His positioning and quick reflexes gave the Flyers a chance to win, even as the Bruins ramped up their offensive pressure.
While Kolosov ultimately allowed the game-winning goal in overtime, his overall performance continues to make a strong case for his future as a mainstay in the Flyers’ crease. The battle for the goaltending hierarchy—especially with Sam Ersson’s return looming—becomes even more intriguing with each of Kolosov’s standout performances.
The Flyers will be back home on Dec. 8 to take on the Utah Hockey Club for the very first time at 7:30 PM.
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