Philadelphia Flyers hockey is officially back — at least in exhibition form.
On Monday night, the Flyers played in their first true, on-the-schedule game of the 2026-27 season — a preseason matchup in Hershey, PA against the Washington Capitals. The 5-2 score wasn’t a major surprise, as the Capitals brought a notably stronger roster to Hershey than did the Flyers. But it still wasn’t exactly a banner start to the preseason, for quite a few reasons — even if there were a few individuals who found a way to impress.
Diehard Exclusive
Unlock Your Full Philadelphia Flyers Experience
This premium content is a Philadelphia Flyers Diehard exclusive.
Diehard Level 1
Most Popular
Diehard Pro Level
You're on a higher plan. Contact us to switch down.
Cancel anytime. No questions asked.
You're already a Diehard! Manage your subscription from your dashboard.
Already a Diehard?
Sign In
7 Comments
yoni
Thanks Charlie.
superunoriginal
Up until the Caps broke the 2-2 tie, the Flyers were looking…okay. Then they fell apart. Rest of the game kind of mirrored the 5-minute power play. They couldn’t connect on passes or get off good shots. Lots of fumbling around.
I’d attribute it to nerves or playing on unfamiliar lines, but either way, it was a snooze-fest. I would have felt more optimistic if they did something on that specific power play. Seemed like all the enthusiasm and spirit went out of them after it–almost like they are on perpetual PK and just trying run out the clock.
Still, it’s their first real (preseason) game against another team. A lot of work ahead of them.
John Licciardello
Jett also saved that short handed goal with an impressive back check, really showed off his speed
ifollowcharlieo
I’m good with Martone taking it easy now! Allen Iverson knew to save his body for games, and Martone surely remembered that hit to his hand from Saturday…
westcoastflyersfan
I’ve been a bit underwhelmed with Martone up to now too, but he did have a legitimately amazing pass in the first through a bunch of people that Knuble could have tapped in but it went through him. If that connected it could have changed things.
Justin Park
I thought Helge Grans had a rough one, which slightly impacted Jiricek a few times in their own zone.
Cameron
Thank you, Charlie!