Flyers vs Blackhawks, Game 21: Notes, Lineups, And How To Watch

After dropping their last two games, the Flyers will try to break their streak against the Chicago Blackhawks.

This will be the first time that 2023 first-round picks Connor Bedard and Matvei Michkov will face each other in the NHL. In a normal year, Michkov could’ve challenged Bedard as the top pick that year. But with his contract and the issues with Russia at the time, he fell to the Flyers. Many have pitted the two against each other, looking for the next Sidney Crosby vs Alex Ovechkin. However, the two have been quite friendly with each other.

The game won’t be just about those two, but it will be one of the battles to keep an eye on throughout the afternoon. Michkov has six goals and 15 points, while Bedard has three goals and 15 points.

Philadelphia Flyers

The Flyers reverted back to their earlier-season ways against Carolina. After hanging with the Hurricanes at the start, they failed to generate much after the first period. Not getting shots on the net has been a problem for this team. They may get some help with that as Chicago is sixth-worst in the league, allowing just over 30 shots per game.

They cannot overlook the Blackhawks either. Just because they are toward the bottom of the league doesn't mean they don't have talent on their roster that can burn you. If Philadelphia wants to stop the losing streak from getting further, they can't take this roster lightly. That will include helping out Aleksei Kolosov, who will be getting the start. The Flyers will get help in the form of Cam York, while Emil Andrae could return as well.

As Sam Ersson works his way back from injury, Kolosov must show the Flyers that he belongs in the NHL. With the recent injury to Eetu Makiniemi in the AHL, the Phantoms also need goaltending help. Depending on how Kolosov performs, the Flyers might find it better for him to be the starter down in the AHL rather than sitting as the third goaltender. However, it all depends on what they've discussed with Kolosov since his arrival.

Flyers Projected Lineup

Owen Tippett - Sean Couturier - Travis Konecny

Tyson Foerster - Noah Cates - Matvei Michkov

Joel Farabee - Morgan Frost - Bobby Brink

Nic Deslauriers - Ryan Poehling - Garnet Hathaway

Cam York - Travis Sanheim

Emil Andrae - Rasmus Ristolainen

Nick Seeler - Helge Grans

Aleksei Kolosov

Chicago Blackhawks

While Connor Bedard leads the Blackhawks with 15 points, he's stuck in one of the most frustrating moments of his early career. He hasn't scored in 11 games and has two points in his last six games. Bedard has shown clear frustration with his play and was recently moved away from center to try and lift some of his defensive responsibilities. They brought Jason Dickinson up to play the center position, giving Bedard a veteran who has been strong with the puck.

Petr Mrazek is in his third season as the Blackhawks starting goaltender. He's alternated wins and losses in his last seven games. If the trend continues, he's on pace to lose this game. Unfortunately, it's not that easy. Mrazek has played well lately, allowing just four goals over his last three games. He posted a .970 SV% in both wins. On the season, he has a 2.66 GAA and a .911 SV%.

Blackhawks Projected Roster

Connor Bedard - Jason Dickinson - Joey Anderson

Philipp Kurashev - Nick Foligno - Teuvo Teravainen

Taylor Hall - Ryan Donato - Pat Maroon

Tyler Bertuzzi - Lukas Reichel - Craig Smith

Alex Vlasic - Connor Murphy

Nolan Allan - Alec Martinez

Louis Crevier - T.J. Brodie

Petr Mrazek

When, Where, and How to Watch

Time:  1:00 PM

Where: Wells Fargo Center

Watch: NHLN, NBCSP

Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic

Live Stream: FuboTv

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