It is hard to deny the truth: the Philadelphia Flyers are not off to a good start in the 2026-27 National Hockey League (NHL) season. They faced a hard loss, 7-0, to the Pittsburgh Penguins in their home opener on Wednesday, Sept. 30. The Flyers had no time to rest before heading into their next game, Oct. 1, against the New Jersey Devils. Philadelphia opened the scoring and kept the game close, but the Devils won in overtime.
The Flyers are heading back to Philadelphia and will host the reigning Stanley Cup Champions on Saturday, Oct. 3. Here are three storylines to watch as the Flyers take the ice again.
Flyers could put specials teams to work
The Flyers kept their penalty kill in check on Thursday, denying the Devils any goals on their four extra-man advantages. However, Philadelphia also had a power-play opportunity of their own that they failed to capitalize on.
The Flyers finally got their first goal of the season, and it was also at full strength. However, they need to keep special teams strong and capitalize on the opportunities they receive. If the Hurricanes give up any penalties in this game, the Flyers need to find a chance to strike while Carolina is down.
Woll was Philadelphia's saving grace on Thursday
Dan Vladar was in net for Philadelphia in their home opener, which might have been to their detriment. Vladar was injured in the Flyers' preseason game against the Boston Bruins. Although he was cleared to play, it didn't look like he was playing to his full potential on Wednesday.
Joseph Woll was between the pipes on Thursday, and there is no denying that he kept Philadelphia in the game. He stopped 41 of the Devils' 44 shots. He was consistently peppered with pucks but held strong for Philadelphia.
It was Woll who kept Philadelphia alive on Thursday; it will be Woll in the crease again against the Hurricanes. Carolina is also playing the second half of a back-to-back, while the Flyers have had two days to rest. Woll will be ready to get back in action and ready to help the Flyers get their first win of the season.
Sanheim can add to his points total
Rasmus Ristolainen managed to score the first goal for the Flyers this season, but Travis Sanheim recorded the primary assist. Sanheim took the shot, while Ristolainen tipped the puck into the net.
Although Ristolainen scored the first goal, Sanheim scored the second. He entered the Flyers' offensive zone and received the puck from Sean Couturier. Sanheim sent a slapshot hurtling towards Jake Allen. The puck bounced off the crossbar and into the net to put the Flyers back in the lead.
The Flyers might not have many goals just yet, but Sanheim has written his name on the scoresheet for both of them. With two points to his name, he currently leads the Flyers in points for the season. Sanheim recorded both an assist and a redemption goal; let's see if he can continue to add to his tally against the Hurricanes.
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