Observations from Flyers preseason loss to Bruins

Despite icing what was mostly their NHL roster, the Flyers looked a step slow for almost the entire game against the Bruins on Tuesday night. Not a particularly good sign with this being the dress rehearsal game before the regular season.

The game was somehow close after two periods, but the Bruins pulled away with three goals in the third to take the 4-1 win.

Sam Ersson looks strong once again

Goaltending is one of the biggest hurdles the Flyers will have to jump over this season. John Tortorella said it himself Tuesday morning. Sam Ersson is entering his first real season as the team's starter. While he played well before burning out, there are still question marks on what he can do. But he's taken the opportunity full speed ahead during his two preseason starts.

While the rest of the team struggled in the first period, Ersson was busy making sure the game didn't get out of hand. He saw 18 shots while the Flyers only managed to fire off six. The Bruins did score once in the period, but it's hard to blame Ersson for it as it was a breakdown by everyone on the ice. Ersson nearly made the save on Justin Brazeau, but it just snuck through.

The Bruins added a power play goal in the third period, but considering the large disparity in which the Flyers were outshot, it could've been a lot worse if Ersson was not in the net. It was 18-3 after one, 24-9 after two, and 34-14 to end the game. He finished 30/32 as the Bruins' final two goals were empty netters.

Matvei Michkov adds another point to his preseason total

Any time Michkov has the puck, good things seem to happen. When you're as good as he is, that's understandable. He came into this game with six points. Make that seven after he helped tie the game for the Flyers in the second period.

Jumping on a loose puck in the offensive zone, Michkov skated to open ice and fired a shot at Brandon Bussi. The rebound came out to Travis Konecny who quickly found the open net.

We've seen how good Michkov can be throughout this entire preseason. He has shown an ability to elevate his teammates' play while also finding ways to make an impact on his own. This is going to be a fun season.

Nick Seeler injured after blocked shot

It's been a preseason of injuries to a lot of different players, asking the question of whether the NHL should look to shorten the amount of games played. The Flyers nearly made it out unscathed.

Nick Seeler and Tyson Foerster suffered injuries, both coming on blocked shots. Seeler's came on a dive across the ice where the puck went off his leg. He's blocked harder shots and lived to tell the tale. He did return for a shift in the third period, but would not return. Hopefully, it's a precaution as there is no reason to push him right now.

Foerster was hobbled when he blocked a shot off the knee. Luckily for Philadelphia, he did return. Neither would've been in the lineup on Thursday anyway, but here's hoping both won't miss any time.

Other Observations

• Anthony Richard had another strong game and has given the Flyers plenty to think about
• Jett Luchanko, playing in what could be his final game, looked rough and took the penalty that led to Boston's game-winning goal.