Flyers desperately looking for first W of 2026

The Flyers are still searching for a win number one tonight. This is probably the best shot they have had all year; with Detroit also struggling, Philly’s offense will look to take advantage of a bad Red Wings defense.

Assuming Joseph Woll starts tonight with Dan Vladar struggling, I think the key is to get offensive pressure and control possession time so Woll can have a smaller workload than he has to start the year, in hopes that he will stay fresh the entire game.

One guy who really needs to get going tonight is Noah Cates. He has a -8 plus/minus through 7 games with 0 points and is a key bottom-six forward. One of the main reasons this team was so successful last season was the depth across all four lines, with veterans and youngsters contributing on the scoresheet every night. We haven't seen that yet this season.

If Philly wants to win, they have to control the puck, and the bottom six has to get going.

Pushing for a first win at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, the Flyers have a 10-11-1 record against the Wings in the past 5 seasons.

PHOTO CREDIT: hockeywriters.com