Dissecting the notable changes in the Flyers' power play

If Flyers fans aren't bickering about goaltending, they're likely expressing their discontent with their team's power play. Year after year, Philly's man advantage has proven to be a momentum killer and statistical nightmare for the orange and black.

Although the power play improved from 12.2% in 2023-24 to 15.8% in 2024-25, it has still been incredibly painful to watch. With the Flyers hiring the highly sought-after Rick Tocchet this summer, in came a fresh set of coaches. Perhaps the man with the most skeptical eyes on him will be the newly appointed power play coach, Yogi Svejkovsky.

Although the Flyers didn't make any earth-shattering moves this offseason, except for acquiring a reclamation project in Trevor Zegras, many are hoping several crucial members of their squad can chip in additional offensive firepower. So, let's take an in-depth look at the key differences seen between the Flyers' power play last year compared to what was seen in the team's pre-season home opener on September 27th vs the Boston Bruins.

Quick Decision Making

In their first power play goal of the game, Cam York showcased his offensive upside in walking the blue line and maintaining possession in the zone. Believe it or not, York was once touted as an elite power play quarterback, but former coach John Tortorella clearly didn't see him as a viable option on the point for the past several years. So far, it appears as though the coaching staff may give the American-born defenseman additional opportunities on the power play.

In this goal specifically, Travis Sanheim is seen activating from the point down to the front of the net while Sean Couturier and Christian Dvorak utilize their given time and space to cycle the puck down low towards the slot. Sanheim also deserves some credit for recognizing an open path to the slot and cashing in on a golden opportunity.

It goes without saying that confident, efficient decision-making was the reason for success on this play. Plays like most definitely need to occur more often if the Flyers plan on improving their power play percentage at all, as last year's power play consisted of stationary passing coupled with block shots and turnovers.

Dynamic Movement

Since the acquisition of 24-year-old Zegras, Flyers fans have definitely been salivating over the possibility of plays like these making their way into the repertoire of their beloved Matvei Michkov. This goal didn't leave much to be desired, as Zegras utilized his shifty speed to enter the Bruins' zone before nonchalantly dishing the puck to Michkov.

As he so often does, Michkov dekes out a defender before cutting to the middle of the ice, drawing a majority of the defenders towards him. In a play that appeared to be drawn up, Michkov perfectly executes a cross-ice play to a wide-open Zegras, who (spoiler alert) didn't miss.

Although it was subtle, it's worth noting how smooth Zegras' hands were in accepting the pass and flicking his wrist-shot up in nearly no time at all. Most players would've opted for the one-timer, but Zegras showed the poise and patience to ensure he was finding the back of the net. After all, I'm sure he wouldn't have heard the end of it from his new buddy, Michkov, if he missed the net on that shot.

Assuming the Flyers' power play is "fixed" after one preseason game where the man-advantage went 2/4 (50%) would be recklessly optimistic. Sure, it's a sign of what many hope is an upward trajectory, but let's not get ahead of ourselves. However, it's quite challenging not to get just a tad excited watching the chemistry build between two highly skilled players in Zegras and Michkov.

Soon enough, the Flyers will be playing regular-season hockey, where statistics will begin to tell the true story of improvement, stagnation, or regression.