Sat Jan 31 17:10:00 UTC 2026: ### Flyers Face Kings Amidst Struggles: Can Tocchet’s Tactics Turn the Tide?
The Story:
The Philadelphia Flyers, with a record of 24-20-9, are set to host the Los Angeles Kings (22-17-13) in a Saturday matinee at Xfinity Mobile Arena, ahead of their annual Charities Carnival on Sunday. This inter-conference clash marks the first of two meetings this season, with the second scheduled for March 19 in Los Angeles. The Flyers are desperately seeking to break a dismal 2-8-2 record over their last 12 games, while the Kings aim to continue their road trip success, currently standing at 2-1-0.
Key Points:
* The Flyers’ defense is struggling, particularly with backdoor goals, impacting their overall goals-against average.
* Rookie winger Nikita Grebenkin impressed in his recent performance and looks to build on that momentum.
* Goaltender Dan Vladar played well despite the score in his previous start, and the Flyers need to support him. Samuel Ersson exited the previous game due to a lower-body injury.
* Coach Rick Tocchet is experimenting with line combinations, notably placing Trevor Zegras at center, although initial results were mixed.
* The Kings are in the midst of a grueling road trip and are playing the second match of a three-in-four gauntlet.
Key Takeaways:
- The Flyers’ defensive woes, particularly concerning backdoor goals, are a critical issue that needs immediate attention to improve their overall performance.
- Nikita Grebenkin’s emergence provides a potential boost to the Flyers’ offense and line chemistry.
- Goaltending stability is uncertain due to Ersson’s injury, placing increased pressure on Vladar and highlighting the need for solid defensive support.
- Tocchet’s experimental line combinations indicate a willingness to shake things up to find a winning formula, but early results show that these changes have not yet yielded results.
- The Kings’ challenging road schedule could be a factor in the game’s outcome, potentially impacting their energy and focus.
First Piper 