Flyers Look to Bounce Back in Game 2 as Jospeh Woll Makes Philadelphia Debut

The Philadelphia Flyers could not have drawn up a worse start to the 2026-27 season than their first game.

After getting blown out 7-0 in the season opener to the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Flyers do not have much time to talk and figure it out as they face off again tonight against the New Jersey Devils at 7pm, in the Prudential Center.

This game 2 is not about making a statement, it is about showing that the results from game 1 are not going to be the standard throughout the season. Philadelphia was outshined by Pittsburgh in just about every facet of the game. They were outshot 38-19, failed to score on three power plays, and even let the Penguins score shorthanded.

Rick Tocchet was particularly critical of the Flyers’ puck battles and defensive zone play following the loss. But this makes for a great opportunity, show what you can do when adversity strikes. New Jersey has plenty of speed and can get caught chasing the puck, and lead to another mess for this Flyers’ team.

One of the biggest storylines for the Flyers’ will be in the net. Joseph Woll is expected to make his very first start as a Philadelphia Flyer, and honestly there isn’t a much better time to show what he can do tonight, after Wednesday's loss.

Vladar stopped 31 of 38 shots against the Penguins, but the team's issue was deeper than just the goalie. Tonight, Woll shouldn’t need to steal the game, he needs to stay composed and don’t let the game 1 jitters get to him, while the 5 guys in front of him defensively step up. 

Obviously, whenever the Devils create pressure eyes will be on Woll. But the biggest issue is you cannot let up 7 goals and score 0, while going 0 for 3 on power plays. The Flyers only generated 19 shots against Pittsburgh, but this Philadelphia team has some serious talent to keep your eyes on.

Particularly Zegras, Tippett, Michkov, and Konecny. They need to force the Devils to defend, while the skill players on the Flyers keep the pressure on, and have controlled puck management. 

We need to see this Flyers’ team perform better, it is not all about if they win but how they look. 

PHOTO CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES