Rick Tocchet’s Philadelphia Flyers will play their second preseason game on Monday against the Boston Bruins, coached by Marco Sturm. The matchup at TD Garden is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. EDT and will be available via streaming on PhiladelphiaFlyers.com.
Several key storylines are developing as the Flyers enter their second week of practices and exhibition games.
Third-year winger Tyson Foerster is set to make his first preseason appearance after recovering from an off-season upper-body injury. Last season, Foerster found success playing alongside Noah Cates and Bobby Brink, a combination that has continued in recent practices. Head coach Rick Tocchet praised the trio for their work ethic and impact during training sessions. All three players are expected to be in Monday’s lineup.
On defense, the Flyers have four confirmed starters for opening night: Travis Sanheim, Cam York, Jamie Drysdale, and Nick Seeler. With Rasmus Ristolainen out through October due to an upper-body injury, there is competition for at least three additional roster spots among defensemen. Egor Zamula remains a likely candidate for one of those positions. Other contenders include veterans Noah Juulsen and Dennis Gilbert, young defenseman Emil Andrae, and Hunter McDonald from the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. Tocchet has stated that he wants to see more effort from players who have not yet secured a roster spot.
In goal, Dan Vladar will start for Philadelphia. Vladar began his North American professional career with the Bruins organization before joining the Flyers. Samuel Ersson played the entire previous game on Saturday; Vladar may do the same in this contest. Aleksei Kolosov will also be dressed as a backup goaltender.
Nineteen-year-old center Jett Luchanko continues to get opportunities in camp, returning to the lineup for his fourth consecutive preseason game. Luchanko has been recognized for his speed and defensive responsibility but is working to show more offensive ability at NHL level. Tocchet commented that Luchanko needs to keep possession of the puck longer and look to make more plays rather than passing too quickly.
Russian winger Nikita Grebenkin remains under close observation by Tocchet and his staff following a strong offensive performance against Boston two nights earlier in Philadelphia. Grebenkin will again be part of Monday’s lineup as coaches continue their evaluations.
