Flyers Earn First Victory, Halt Nine-Game Losing Streak
Philadelphia beat Ottawa 3-1 to secure its first win of the season and end a franchise-record nine-game losing streak. Dan Vladar made 25 saves, while Matvei Michkov and Porter Martone each had a goal and an assist. Trevor Zegras added an empty-net goal, and Ottawa's Linus Ullmark took his first loss after winning his first six starts.
Philadelphia improved to 1-6-3 and prevented becoming the 11th NHL club to drop its opening 10 contests. Dan Vladar stopped 25 shots. Drake Batherson gave Ottawa a second-period lead during a two-on-one with ex-Flyer Claude Giroux. Porter Martone tied it after stripping Thomas Chabot, then assisted Matvei Michkov's power-play marker. Michkov's tally was his fourth this season and 50th career in 171 games, quickest by a Flyer since Matt Read in 2014.
Trevor Zegras sealed the result with an empty-netter at 14 seconds remaining, Philadelphia's first three-goal outing this season. Linus Ullmark lost for the first time after six wins, equaling Ray Emery's Ottawa season-start mark. Owen Tippett was absent with an upper-body injury. Colorado visits Monday.
This result may offer relief to Philadelphia players, coaches, and fans after a difficult start, possibly easing pressure on the coaching staff and boosting local morale. A win could also draw more casual attention to hockey in the market and give younger players like Michkov and Martone confidence. However, one game may not change broader perceptions or solve underlying scoring concerns.