Flyers vs Bruins: Previewing the preseason clash between rivals

Flyers
Sep 26, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Samuel Ersson (33) makes a save with defenseman Travis Sanheim (6) against the New York Islanders during the first period at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

The Philadelphia Flyers (2-1-0) will host the Boston Bruins (1-2-0) tonight in their fourth game of the 2024-25 NHL preseason. On Wednesday, the Flyers defeated the New York Islanders 2-0 in their first preseason home game.

Matvei Michkov was a standout during Wednesday’s win over the Islanders. In his Wells Fargo Center debut, the 19-year-old scored two points (1G, 1A) while showcasing his elite vision, playmaking skills, and overall offensive abilities. Both Michkov and Jett Luchanko will be back in the lineup tonight for their third preseason game.

The Flyers have three preseason games remaining after tonight. They’ll take on the Islanders again on Monday in Long Island, the Bruins on Tuesday in Boston, and they will close out against the Devils in Philadelphia on Thursday. The Flyers will begin the regular season on Friday, Oct. 11, in Vancouver.

Philadelphia Flyers

Samuel Ersson posted a 37-save shutout against the Islanders. After taking on a heavy load during the 2023-24 season, Ersson was dialed in during his first preseason appearance. Ivan Fedotov will get the start between the pipes this evening.

Flyers prospect Spencer Gill signed his entry-level contract yesterday. Gill, 19, was cut by the team earlier this week and will head back to the Rimouski Océanic for the 2024-25 season.

Eight cuts were made by the Flyers yesterday, most notably Ronnie Attard, who was placed on waivers to be sent to Lehigh Valley, and Elliot Desnoyers, who was also sent back down.

Flyers spencer gill
Sep 22, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Spencer Gill (42) clears the puck from Washington Capitals forward Jakub Vrana (13) in the third period at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Oliver Bonk will draw into the lineup against the Bruins for his second preseason game. Bonk was in the lineup on Monday in the 5-0 loss to the Montreal Canadiens. Hunter McDonald will be paired with Rasmus Ristolainen tonight. McDonald, who could very well see NHL action in 2024-25, is highly touted by Flyers management given his size and defending abilities.

Flyers lineup against the Bruins, per Jordan Hall:
Michkov-Couturier-Konecny
Farabee-Luchanko-Brink
Laughton-Abols-Cates
Lycksell-Poehling-Richard

McDonald-Ristolainen
Ginning-Drysdale
Zamula-Bonk

Fedotov
Makiniemi

Boston Bruins

The Bruins are coming off a 5-2 loss to the New York Rangers on Thursday. Brett Harrison and Mark Kastelic both scored in the loss to the Rangers. Neither player will be in the lineup tonight, one that features more NHL hopefuls rather than regulars.

Game Information

You can watch the Philadelphia Flyers take on the Boston Bruins tonight on NBCSP+ and NHL Network. The radio broadcast will be available on 97.5 The Fanatic. The puck drops from the Wells Fargo Center at 7:00pm.

Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images