Remember The Epic "Power-Kill" in 2023-24?
"Another shorthanded goal for the Flyers, they now lead the league with 16!" Jim Jackson's broadcasts narrating short-handed goals were some of the most exciting moments of the 2023-2024 season. In a somewhat unexpected personnel change at the start of the 2023-24 season, John Tortorella began to play All-Star forward Travis Konecny on the penalty kill with Scott Laughton. Once this lineup decision caught the attention of fans and media alike, it was met with mixed emotions.
Many were puzzled yet excited to see what Konecny's explosive speed and quick decision-making could bring to the penalty kill along with a defensively responsible forward like Laughton. However, utilizing Konecny as a shot-blocking machine on the penalty kill was also worrisome due to his continued role as a top-scorer for the team. These concerns were immediately put to rest as the Flyers' penalty kill was clicking at 83.4% (4th in the NHL) and Konecny and Laughton combined for 15 points (8 G, 7 A) shorthanded points at the end of the 2023-24 season. The Flyers finished the season with a league-leading 16 short-handed goals.
With the Flyers' powerplay consistently hovering around the lowest percentage in the league for the past several years, fans have been more excited for "power-kills" than power-plays themselves. The Philadelphia faithful have even expressed they are genuinely surprised that Rocky Thompson (Flyers' forward and powerplay coach) is still employed by the organization.
Year | Powerplay % | NHL Rank |
|---|---|---|
2024-25 | 15.8 | 28th |
2023-24 | 12.2 | 32th |
2022-23 | 15.6 | 32nd |
2021-22 | 12.6 | 32nd |
Mid-way through the 2024-2025 season, the once beloved "power-kill" has proven to be less lethal than it was a year ago, as the Flyers have only mustered three short-handed goals and hold a 78.5% penalty kill success rate (18th in the NHL). At the time of writing, Travis Konecny is on pace for his lowest PK time since Tortorella made the move. Between the horrendous powerplay and declining penalty kill, the Flyers' special teams remain a question mark heading into the 2025-2026 season.
Is Help On The Way From The OHL?
Flyers' 3rd round (95th overall) pick in the 2023 draft, Denver Barkey, is impressing many with 70 points (22 G, 48 A) in 44 games for one of the OHL's most storied franchises, the London Knights. Denver is only 5'9" and 155 lbs., but miraculously has proven to be a force at left wing in the OHL. Although he missed the Flyers' 2024 development camp due to mononucleosis, Barkey appears to be back to his stellar offensive play that earned the Flyers' attention in the first place.
The New Market, Ontario native has also proven he's effective at both ends of the ice, as he holds a +39 rating this season. The London Knights lead the league with 14 short-handed goals, four of which belong to Barkey. He has impressively added 13 short-handed goals throughout his four-year career, a new franchise record for the London Knights.
Your new franchise leader in shorthanded goals 🐶 pic.twitter.com/Rcgs1ODq8u
— London Knights (@LondonKnights) February 18, 2025
Although 5'9" Denver Barkey is likely several years (and 20 pounds of muscle) away from donning a Flyers jersey on opening night, seeing his remarkable potential at the age of 19 is something Flyers fans should be excited about. To put it lightly, Flyers fans can use any sliver of optimism they can get at this point in the 2024-25 season.