The Philadelphia Flyers played a hockey game last night. No, it doesn’t count for anything. And no, it was not a preseason game. Friday night marked the start of the Flyers’ rookie series against the New York Rangers.

If you’re looking for a refresher, the rookie series consists of Flyers prospects squaring off against those of the New York Rangers. For many of the young prospects, this is an early chance for them to prove themselves before NHL training camp begins.

So, let’s get into last night’s action.

It was a rough start for the Flyers’ prospects, quickly falling 2-0 after the first period. Top North American goalie prospect Carson Bjarnason, who is poised to join the Phantoms this season, did not have his best stuff early on.

The Rangers’ prospects had a comfortable lead starting the second frame. However, before five minutes would come off the clock in the second, the Flyers would cut the deficit in half.

Denver Barkey got the scoring started for the Flyers, coached by Phantoms head coach John Snowden, after a perfect cross-net feed from newcomer Tucker Robertson. Robertson was recently acquired from Seattle in a one-for-one swap with J.R. Avon, and he made his presence felt in his Flyers rookie showcase debut.

It would not take long for the Flyers to even the score. Karsen Dorwart, who finished the season with the Flyers last year after the NCAA season ended, led the shorthanded rush down the ice. Dorwart found Alexis Gendron with an in-tight cross-net feed, who then tied the game at two for the Flyers.

The Rangers would take the lead back later in the third period, but it would not hold for long.

Devin Kaplan, who also played for the Flyers after the NCAA season ended, found Jacob Gaucher, who played in Philly for a stint last season, in the low slot to tie the game just around the halfway point of the third frame.

The two sides would battle for the lead before extra time was needed, but neither side could do it. There was overtime in Allentown.

Dorwart, who found Gendron for the tying score in the second period, continued his helpful night. The Michigan State product found Nikita Grebenkin, who was acquired in the Scott Laughton trade, who would go on to bury the overtime winner.

Philadelphia would go on to win the exhibition 4-3 in overtime. The two teams face off again Saturday in Allentown, with puck drop slated for 5:00 p.m.

Biggest Standouts

Denver Barkey proved once again that height does not measure heart. The young Flyers prospect has always had his future clouded by his size. Barkey possesses plenty of talent, but at 5’9″, his NHL future is questioned.

During Game 1, Barkey proved he can hang. Though it may not have been against NHL talent, Barkey looked to be one of, if not the best, player on the ice. He was productive and generated more chances than the scoresheet shows.

The NHL still does not feel like an option for Barkey early this season, but maybe an extended look at the Flyers prospect during training camp will help give a better idea.

Flyers’ 2025 12th-overall pick Jack Nesbitt made his rookie series debut, playing between Alex Bump and Samu Tuomaala. While the line did not appear on the statsheet, each player impressed.

Bump seriously looks ready for the NHL. Nesbitt was pleasantly surprising, considering he is supposed to be a long way out. A big year in the OHL could be coming for Nesbitt this season. Tuomaala looked like the prospect the Flyers have become accustomed to. Let’s see if he can stay on the ice this season.

I also want to point out the poise from Bjarnason. After giving up two scores early and digging himself and the team a hole, the goalie prospect kept a level head and bounced back to form. He saved 21 of 24 shots.

Read More: James: The Flyers “Patient Approach” is Running Out of Time

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