Instant reactions: Michkov, Bump pull Flyers within one point of Islanders for Metropolitan 3-seed

Watch PHLY Flyers Postgame

After losing consecutive games in regulation, the Philadelphia Flyers are nearing must-win territory with seven games remaining in the regular season.

And on Friday night, the Orange & Black gave the type of effort that leads fans to believe they can pull this off and make the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2020.

Alex Bump, Matvei Michkov and Travis Sanheim were the standout skaters, while Dan Vladar stopped 19 of 20 in the final 40 minutes to seal a much-needed victory. Matthew Schaefer was everywhere, but Philly’s depth stood out, with Trevor Zegras hobbled in the final two periods and two players who skated fewer than 12 minutes putting up multi-point games in a HUGE win in Long Island.

First period

Highlight: OWEN TIPPETT SCORES TO PUT THE FLYERS UP 1-0! After a lot of pressure and some chances thwarted by Ilya Sorokin, the Flyers were leading in shots 8-1 but hadn’t broken through, until Owen Tippett made a play at the Flyers blueline to create a turnover, moving the puck across the neutral zone to Travis Sanheim to start a 2-on-1 and Sanheim found Tippett again on the right side, allowing Tippett just enough space to cut in front of Sorokin and score. Just over a minute later Alex Bump, returning to the lineup after two games in the press box, uncorks a laser beam stepping off the left wing wall, beating Sorokin over his far shoulder for the 2-0 lead.

What I want to see next period: MORE! I would love to see them keep adding to this and leave no doubt. They need a convincing regulation win for the vibes, and to maybe put more doubt in the Isles’ minds while they cling to a playoff spot of their own. Beyond that, it would be great to see Trevor Zegras come back and look like himself after leaving for the locker room late in the first after an open ice hit.

Second period

Highlight: The back-to-back started catching up the Flyers after a stellar first period. The Islanders won the shot battle 12-6, and netted their first goal of the game in the final five minutes of the period, but not before Matvei Michkov ended a 12-game goal drought with a follow-up effort banked in off the back of Sorokin to open up a 3-0 lead. Alex Bump didn’t get an assist on the play, but his effort, forcing the turnover to get the puck to Michkov alone down low, created the crucial tally for Philly.

What I want to see next period: Hold on. The Islanders didn’t play last night and it’s beginning to show, but holding a 3-1 lead for 20 minutes against a team anchored by an 18-year-old Matthew Schaefer (who is amazing, no doubt) seems very do-able.

Third period

Highlight: Travis Sanheim! After a forgettable night against Detroit on Thursday, the Flyers’ #1 defenseman finds the back of the net to extend the lead to three, and tie his career high of 10 goals. Bump and Michkov made great plays with the puck to set up the goal and put this out of reach.

Final note: WOOOOO! What an effort in the backend of a back-to-back on the road. They were gassed and had to withstand seven minutes of 6-on-5 (the Flyers vs. the empty net remains a top rivalry in the sport) but they ended the two-game skid and pulled within one point of the Islanders for the third spot in the Metro. What a great win. Bounce back performances for Sanheim, Michkov and Tippett, while Bump, fresh off of two healthy scratches, was Philadelphia’s best player. BUY THE TICKET, TAKE THE RIDE!

Watch PHLY Flyers Postgame