The Philadelphia Flyers faced a harsh reality check at home against the Los Angeles Kings, losing decisively 7-3.
The Kings showed why they are one of the NHL’s most complete teams—they dominate physically, capitalize on opportunities, and are relentless in their execution. For the Flyers, it was a night of missed opportunities, defensive struggles, and a growing need for a mental reset as they navigate a critical stretch before the holiday break.
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York is missing
The Flyers’ defensive pairings struggled throughout the game, a problem exacerbated by the healthy scratch of Cam York. With the young cornerstone of the blue line out of the lineup, the defensive corps looked disjointed, unable to handle the Kings’ relentless forecheck and quick puck movement.
Travis Sanheim, who has been one of the most consistent players for the Flyers this season, was absent last night. York’s absence seemed to have a negative effect, with his teammates struggling to adjust to the new pairing. Jamie Drysdale, still finding his rhythm after returning from injury, looked fragile at times, while the pair of Nick Seeler and Rasmus Ristolainen, and Emil Andrae and Egor Zamula, just didn’t look like they had the chemistry they needed to thrash the visitors.
The Kings’ ability to capitalize on defensive breakdowns was evident, as they exploited gaps in coverage and frustrated the Flyers’ presence up front. If anything, this game underscored how much the Flyers rely on cohesion and formation in the backfield—both of which were sorely lacking against Los Angeles.
The Game of Inches
While the 7-3 score paints a grim picture, the Flyers had their chances. Darcy Kuemper stood tall for the Kings, but the Flyers also had several mistakes that could have changed the color of the game early.
A goal by Noah Cates and two by Tyson Foerster fueled the offense, but this was a big and physical Kings team that had no qualms about pushing the Flyers. Although there were some missed calls from the umpires, the inconsistency did not help the offense’s efforts to break through.
Megan DeRuchie – Hockey News
The offense created some dangerous chances but fell short in the end. Travis Konecny, ever the catalyst, and Seeler both saw chances fade by inches. These moments of offensive frustration seemed to compound as the game wore on, with the Flyers unable to convert when it mattered most.
I #LetsGoFlyers he literally missed the touchdown by INCHES. Nick Seeler’s shot bounced past Kuemper for the goal line, but Kuemper somehow managed to clear it. How they don’t get these goals by just being funny at this point.
— Siobhan Nolan (@SGNolan) December 20, 2024
The Flyers’ offense is at its best when it’s opportunistic and confident, but when it’s against a team that’s on the right track, doubt creeps in. The game served as a reminder of the razor thin margins in hockey: a game of inches can quickly become a game of regret.
A Much-Needed Mental Reset
It’s clear that the Flyers are feeling the pinch this season. After two straight losses—first to the Red Wings and now to the Kings—the team looks like it could use a second to get back on track. John Tortorella emphasized the importance of these last four games before the holiday break, and with two losses already in the books, the next two against the Columbus Blue Jackets and Pittsburgh Penguins take on greater importance.
Day off on Dec. 20 could provide a reset of the Flyers’ need. Hockey is as much a mental game as it is physical, and finding a way to wipe the slate clean is important. Tortorella teams are known for their toughness, but toughness often requires rethinking and redirection.
Megan DeRuchie – Hockey News
The Flyers can’t be measured on effort or talent—they’ve shown they can compete with the league’s best. But compared to the Kings, the decline in focus and cohesion was glaring. A reframe of mind can be the difference between going into recess with energy or with concrete questions.
Related: John Tortorella Offers More Insights on Flyers for Goalkeepers
