In the final game before a two-week break in the NHL schedule for the 4 Nations Face-Off, the Philadelphia Flyers (23-26-7) host the Pittsburgh Penguins (23-24-9) in the latest edition of the “Keystone State Rivalry” between these two cross-state competitors. Philly enters after losing five straight games, while Pittsburgh has claimed to have won in three of their last four games. The teams are currently grouped together in the basement of the Metropolitan Division standings.
Kuzmenko Expected To Play for Flyers, Pelletier Must Wait Until After NHL Break
During his media press conference on Saturday morning, Flyers head coach John Tortorella concisely indicated that the visa issues plaguing the Flyers over the last week are not entirely solved. Forward Andrei Kuzmenko’s paperwork is complete, and is expected to suit up tonight for Philadelphia. Kuzmenko spoke to the media yesterday about the difficulties involved after being unable to play hockey for over a week. Tortorella said he was “really anxious” to see Kuzmenko play hockey for the Flyers. “I didn’t see him practice yesterday,” Tortorella stated. “I stayed away for a reason. I didn’t want to watch him. I want to see him play a game.”
Forward Jakob Pelletier will not be available tonight as his paperwork is still being processed, making him ineligible for tonight’s game against Pittsburgh. The 23-year-old forward was disappointed he could not get into the rivalry game tonight. “I heard about it. I wish I could play,” Pelletier said. “I played in the Battle of Alberta (between Edmonton and Calgary), and it was nice,” Pelletier said. “I’m sure tonight it’s going to feel like that here.”
Penguins Claimed 7-3 Win in December
Two days before Santa Claus arrived in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh’s Sidney Crosby was unstoppable, finishing with 4 points in a 7-3 home win for Pittsburgh at PPG Paints Arena. In the game, Crosby tied NHL Hall-of-Famer Mario Lemieux’s record for most assists at 1,033 in the black and gold. The Penguins captain sealed the game with a third-period empty net goal. During this season, Crosby has netted 17 goals and 41 assists for 58 points in 55 games.
Sam Ersson struggled in the contest with nine saves on 14 shots and was removed after the second period, having allowed five goals. Aleksei Kolosov replaced Ersson and stopped six of seven shots in the final regulation period.
4 Nations Send-off in Philadelphia
Five members of the Philadelphia Flyers organization will be headed to Montreal and Boston as part of the NHL’s 4 Nations Face-Off tournament between Canada, Finland, Sweden, and the United States. Team USA will receive Flyers coach John Tortorella as he jumps on the American bench as an assistant coach for Mike Sullivan, the HC for tonight’s Flyers opponent – Pittsburgh.
Travis Sanheim and Travis Konecny will head to Team Canada together, while Sam Ersson heads to Team Sweden’s camp for the two-week tournament. Rasmus Ristolainen is still scheduled to be part of Finland’s roster. However, he’s missed the last two games tonight and is a game-time decision for the last game before the tournament.
The 4 Nations Face-Off will begin on February 12th, when Canada will play Sweden in the opening game at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec. The inaugural Four Nations Face-Off Championship game will be held 2/20/25 in Boston, Massachusetts. Philadelphia’s next NHL game is scheduled for Saturday, 02/22 /25, against Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers.
Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
