The Philadelphia Flyers are rolling, and they’re having fun doing it.
Saturday afternoon’s 7-4 win over the Buffalo Sabres wasn’t just another two points in the standings—it was a continuation of a team playing with energy, confidence, and a looseness that has been sorely missing at times this season.
Matvei Michkov added another two goals to his growing highlight reel, cementing himself as the NHL’s top rookie scorer. Jakob Pelletier finally got his first goal in a Flyers sweater, a moment his teammates—and even his coach—said was long overdue and well-deserved. And through it all, there was no panic, no hesitation, no fear of things spiraling when the Sabres made their push.
It was just good hockey, played with the kind of joy and belief that has become infectious in the Flyers' locker room.
1. Matvei Michkov Is Leading the Rookie Race—and He’s Not Slowing Down
Matvei Michkov isn’t just in the rookie scoring race—he’s leading it, and he looks poised to run away with it.
His two goals against Buffalo brought his season total to 24, moving him ahead of all other rookies. He’s now tied with Lane Hutson for the rookie points lead at 56, and with the way he’s playing, it feels like only a matter of time before he takes sole possession of that title.
MATVEI. MICHKOV. AGAIN.
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) March 29, 2025
THE HEATER CONTINUES 😱 pic.twitter.com/VH8JgOX6dI
What’s most impressive isn’t just the numbers, though—it’s how he’s scoring. His instincts, his ability to find space, his quick release—it’s all coming together at the right time. And the confidence he’s playing with? It’s undeniable.
Michkov is the kind of player who makes things happen every time he’s on the ice. Whether it’s a goal, a slick setup, or a play that simply sparks momentum, he’s been a game-changer. And right now, he’s showing exactly why he was worth the wait.
With seven games left, there’s no reason to believe he’ll slow down. If anything, he’s just getting started.
2. Jakob Pelletier’s First Goal Was a Long Time Coming—and It Meant Everything
It’s been a tough road for Jakob Pelletier. Traded to Philadelphia in January, he had to deal with visa issues that kept him out of game action for three weeks. When he finally got into the lineup, the points didn’t come right away. But he kept grinding, kept bringing energy, kept staying positive.
And then, finally, he found the back of the net.
Jakob Pelletier gets his first ...
