{"id":540944,"date":"2026-04-04T21:25:42","date_gmt":"2026-04-04T21:25:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/540944\/"},"modified":"2026-04-04T21:25:42","modified_gmt":"2026-04-04T21:25:42","slug":"michkov-flyers-grab-huge-win-over-islanders","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/540944\/","title":{"rendered":"Michkov, Flyers Grab Huge Win Over Islanders"},"content":{"rendered":"

In the biggest game of the season, with their backs against the wall, the Philadelphia Flyers<\/a> found a way to dig deep once again. A dominant start against the New York Islanders<\/a> set the tone in a 4-1 win on Friday night.<\/p>\n

How It Happened<\/p>\n

The Flyers started strong with a 12-2 advantage in shots in the first period. In a span of 67 seconds, they opened up a 2-0 lead. First, Owen Tippett<\/a> finished a transition rush with his 28th goal of the season. Then Alex Bump<\/a> fired a shot from the left circle for his fourth goal of the season.<\/p>\n

Just 2:52 into the second, the Flyers extended the lead. Matvei Michkov<\/a> stayed with the play and was able to bank in a shot from behind the goal line off of Ilya Sorokin<\/a> for his 17th goal of the season.<\/p>\n

The Islanders made their push in the latter half of the second period. FInally at 15:37, the Islanders got on the board with Jean-Gabriel Pageau<\/a> scoring from the slot to make it 3-1.<\/p>\n

In the third, the Flyers added some insurance at 9:16. Travis Sanheim<\/a> finished off the rush as a trailer for his 10th goal of the season to cap the scoring.<\/p>\n

Box Score1st PeriodPHI Owen Tippett (28) (Travis Sanheim) 13:54PHI Alex Bump (4) (Matvei Michkov, Noah Cates<\/a>) 15:012nd Period3rd PeriodPHI Sanheim (10) (Michkov, Bump) 9:16By the NumbersShots:\u00a0Flyers:\u00a021,\u00a0Islanders:\u00a022Power Play:\u00a0Flyers:\u00a00-for-2,\u00a0Islanders:\u00a00-for-3Faceoffs:\u00a0Flyers:\u00a041.4%,\u00a0Islanders:\u00a058.6%Goalies:\u00a0PHI Dan Vladar<\/a>:\u00a021 saves on\u00a022 shots,\u00a0NYI Ilya Sorokin:\u00a017\u00a0saves on\u00a021 shotsKey Performers<\/p>\n

\u2b50\u00a0Matvei Michkov\u00a0\u2014 A huge night for Michkov, who delivered three points, including his 17th goal of the season. It’s continued to be a struggle for Michkov, but he really elevated his game and came up with timely contributions.<\/p>\n

\u2b50\u2b50 Dan Vladar\u00a0\u2014 The Flyers didn’t get the usual performance out of Dan Vladar on Tuesday. He bounced back in a huge way in this game. He wasn’t tested much early, but as the last line of defense as the Islanders really dominated puck possession in the final 30 minutes, he had one of his typical steady games.<\/p>\n

\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50 Alex Bump\u00a0\u2014 Inserted back in the lineup, Bump contributed a goal and an assist, making his presence felt within a crowded winger group.<\/p>\n

The Takeaway<\/p>\n

Just when you think they’re down and out, the Flyers come right back and announce their ongoing presence in the playoff race. This was the biggest one of all. Needing two points in regulation against the Islanders, they stormed out to a fast start, then weathered the storm against a rested team during the latter half of the second and early part of the third. Now, the path is set. The Flyers still need some help, but they have a way to make their first playoff appearance since 2020 with just six games remaining in the regular season.<\/p>\n

Up Next<\/p>\n

The\u00a0Flyers are back on home ice on Sunday afternoon to take on the Boston Bruins at 3:30 PM.<\/p>\n

Kevin Durso<\/a>\u00a0is Flyers insider for 97.3 ESPN. Follow him on social media\u00a0@Kevin_Durso<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Philadelphia Flyers Uniforms Through The Years<\/p>\n