Philadelphia Flyers' Comeback Bid Falls Short in 6-3 Loss to Capitals – Hockey Writers – Philadelphia Flyers

On October 23, the Philadelphia Flyers got off to a rough start against the Washington Capitals, trailing 4-0, but made it a one-goal contest in the final frame. Actually, they could have used two points, but in the end they came up short, 6-3. With a 1-5-1 record, what else are the Orange and Black?

Michkov Gave Life to Flyers

The Flyers looked out of juice following a 4-0 deficit, playing low-key hockey and unable to capitalize. I won't give rookie Matvei Michkov all the credit for the turnaround, but he deserves a lot. With a goal and an assist to extend his season total to seven points in seven games, the 19-year-old Russian made his presence felt.

Michkov is first among rookies (tied with Logan Stankoven) and Flyers in points. Unlike other players on the team, you have the ability to control at any time. As it grows, it will learn to do this more often. This was one of his better shows.

Michkov in MONEY. #PHIVsWSH | #LetsGoFlyers pic.twitter.com/UrH2A2h52X

– Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) October 24, 2024

With the Flyers as poor as they are smart, Michkov is one of the few reasons people are tuning in. Well, you make it worth their time. Although not at his peak, Michkov is still an interesting player to watch.

What is Luchanko's Plan?

After Jett Luchanko was healthy in the last game for the Flyers, I thought he would be in this one—it was a second half comeback. However, when the list of players was announced, he was no longer available. So, what's the plan?

I never doubted that Luchanko would be a Flyer for the rest of the season, as he is one of their best centers. But after two consecutive stays, I'm not so sure. Do they play it safe, or will the 18-year-old return to the Guelph Storm of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL)?

It would be disappointing to see a player who legitimately makes the team get relegated to the minor leagues, but the Flyers aren't playing well either. Maybe head coach John Tortorella is taking things slow and giving him a rest—we'll have to see. He could be demoted before then, but the 13th pick of the 2024 NHL Draft has nine total games (he's played four) left on his entry-level contract. So, I can expect a decision when that time comes.

Are Flyers In Hagens Watch?

Now 1-5-1, the start of a seven-game streak from the infamous 2006-07 season when the Orange and Black finished bottom of the standings, the team is in a deep hole. Even if they got better as time went on against the Capitals, this campaign was a disaster for them overall—they didn't play well. That being said, could they be one of the worst teams in the NHL when all is said and done?

I would temper expectations for the first overall pick of James Hagens, but a top seven pick is more likely. On that list, there are a few top performers and, for me, three top talents. It's a stacked class early on, especially the forwards. Let's check them out.

Related: 2025 NHL Draft Rankings – Horn's Early Top 50

We're in the realm of fantasy here, as no one really knows what's in store for the Flyers, but it's worth discussing this class. For starters, Hagens is a strong, polished center that Philadelphia could definitely use. More or less, their forward structures will be set – he paired with Michkov could be one of the best duos of the sport in the coming years.

Thankfully, Hagens isn't the only player who could be paired with the electric Michkov. Although it would involve forcing one of them to play center, I think Porter Martone and Michkov (both right-handed players) could take over the league in the same way. Martone has size at 6-foot-3, dominates the OHL point wise, can be a weapon on the boards, and has jaw-dropping talent. This would require a top three pick in my eyes, but it would be great.

For me, Michael Misa is the last of the absolute talents in this class as of now. A special situation forward in the OHL back in 2022-23, he put up a better point-per-game ratio as a 15-year-old than some notable draft-year talents did as a 17- and 18-year-old. He is putting up amazing numbers right now. , and it is an indication of his talent. He is a high IQ center with excellent attacking skills. The OHL's leading scorer, he can really shoot the puck.

Two other high picks in the 2025 NHL Draft are Anton Frondell and Ivan Ryabkin. I'm a little lower on them than I was a few months ago, but both have first-line center potential at the NHL level. They are cunning, skilled, and very intelligent. Roger McQueen has also stepped it up, a big man down the middle who uses his size to his advantage. Indeed, a good year for the Flyers to play well below expectations.

Next, the Flyers take on the Minnesota Wild at the Wells Fargo Center on October 26. One of the four teams without losing control, it will be a big test if the Orange and Black plan to turn this thing around.