Flyers and Devils Face Off in Crucial NHL Showdown

NEWARK, N.J. — The Philadelphia Flyers (23-22-6) and New Jersey Devils (28-18-6) will clash for the third time in 12 days on Wednesday night at Prudential Center, completing a home-and-home series. The game, set for 7:00 p.m. ET, will be televised nationally on TNT/MAX and broadcast on 93.3 WMMR with an online simulcast on Flyers Radio 24/7.

The Flyers currently lead the season series 2-0-0, with a 3-1 road win on Dec. 18 and a 4-2 victory at home on Monday. The teams will meet one final time on March 9 at Wells Fargo Center. Monday’s game saw goals from Bobby Brink, Joel Farabee, Garnet Hathaway, and Scott Laughton, with Samuel Ersson making 31 saves to secure the win.

Rasmus Ristolainen, who recorded two assists in Monday’s game, became the eighth Finnish defenseman in NHL history to reach 300 career points. On the Devils’ side, Dougie Hamilton has scored in both previous matchups against the Flyers, while Timo Meier‘s late goal on Monday briefly narrowed the Flyers’ lead before Laughton sealed the win with an empty-net goal.

Here are five key factors to watch in Wednesday’s game:

1. Shot Suppression: The Flyers have blocked 65 shots in their two wins over the Devils this month. They will aim to continue disrupting New Jersey’s offense by limiting time and space and maintaining strong puck support.

2. Tyson Foerster’s Impact: Foerster has been a crucial contributor for the Flyers, excelling in forechecking and defensive play. Despite only one goal in his last 11 games, his overall performance has been vital to the team’s success.

3. Sean Couturier’s Return: The Flyers’ captain missed Monday’s game due to illness but returned to practice on Tuesday. His presence could provide a significant boost, especially with the Devils’ Nico Hischier sidelined by an upper-body injury.

4. Goaltending: Samuel Ersson, who has been stellar in January with a 6-2-0 record, is expected to start. Backup Ivan Fedotov will likely take the net for Thursday’s game against the Islanders.

5. Ristolainen and Hathaway’s Contributions: Both players have been instrumental in the Flyers’ recent wins, combining physical play with timely offensive contributions. Their continued performance will be critical on Wednesday.

With the Flyers looking to secure a third straight win over the Devils, Wednesday’s game promises to be a pivotal moment in their season.