The brick wall of Dan Vladar. The rookie who always finds the net. The penalty kill that comes at the perfect time. Welcome to the 2026 Philadelphia Flyers.
Diehard Flyers fans know the struggle of rooting for the city of Philadelphia. The heartbreaks, the rebuilds, the “maybe next years.” But this time is different, and the city feels it too. Before their current 3-0 playoff run, the Broad Street Bullies hadn’t fought their way into the post season since 2020. This team isn’t just skating through a series, they are making noise.
What’s Behind The Crease?
Historically, goalies have been seen throwing their helmets, breaking their sticks, and causing a scene. However, Dan Vladar is breaking that stereotype with every game played. In the first 3 games of a 7 game series against their rivals, the Pittsburgh Penguins, Vladar has been standing on his head. He is averaging a .955 save percentage, including a shutout in Game 2. The Penguins have only been able to force 4 goals, while the Flyers have scored 11 times in the 3 games, making it look easy.
Beyond his impressive stats, Vladar is showing up for his teammates in ways that don’t go unnoticed. His demeanor is a calm and stabilizing presence. During Game 2, he strode over to remind the bench that everything was going to be okay, saying, “We’re okay, Guys, don’t worry about it. Relax.” There’s something to be said for a goalie with this type of mindset and the Flyers recent success.
Money Martone
2 game-winning goals in 2 playoff games is the only stat needed to introduce Porter Martone, the newest addition to the Fly Guys. However, he also has 12 points in 11 games, with 6 goals and 6 assists. Being only 19 years old, he broke the record for the youngest Flyer to score in his postseason debut. Martone has been exactly what Philadelphia has been yearning for. On the ice, the young player is aggressive, electric, and right on time. Being line mates with Konecny and Dvorak has highlighted their chemistry and set the rookie up for success without needing to drop the gloves just yet.
Just like his goaltender, Martone is making an impact on and off the stat sheet. The rookie is winning the city over, with fans already cheering his name inside Xfinity Mobile Arena. Martone fits in with Philly so naturally because he lets his performance do the talking for him. For a fanbase on a 5 year playoff drought, Martone has given life and hope back to them.
A Tale of Two Cities
As the Battle of Pennsylvania rages on, the refs are being put to work and the penalty boxes are staying crowded; exactly what we expect with Flyers vs. Penguins playoff hockey. Another part of the story upping Philadelphia's game is their special teams.
The Flyers have killed 10 of 12 Penguins power plays, came up with a short handed goal by Garnet Hathaway and power play goals by Trevor Zegras and Noah Cates throughout the 3 first games. This is not luck. This is the beginning of a new era.
The Broad Street Bullies are back with a vengeance, creating aggressive pressure at the blue line, dissolving passing lanes, and blocking any shot they can throw their bodies in front of. The final piece, the Brick Wall of Vladar, refusing to let any Penguin get comfortable around his igloo. The Flyers winning streak has a lot of moving pieces, but it comes down to this simple truth: This team is connected, has each other's backs, and will fight for one another.
Powered by Philadelphia
This playoff run has been the definition of true Philadelphia Hockey- explosive, battered, and relentless. Vladar is the wall. Martone is the brick building it up. The special teams are the hammer making the difference. Whether the Flyers sweep in Game 4 or take it all the way to Game 7, they will do it with the city behind them. The spirits have been lifted, the arenas have been packed, and the energy has been shifted.
This Flyers team is powered by Philadelphia.
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