But 36 saves is still 36 saves, and Samuel Ersson looked cool and confident in a preseason shutout. The 24-year-old goalie is still one of the top two or three most important players on the roster, especially considering how much he struggled in the second half last season.

The Flyers returned to the friendly confines of the Wells Fargo Center on Thursday for their third preseason game. It marked the debut of Matvei Michkov on home ice — and the fans gave him a big welcome when he was announced in the starting lineup and shown on the big screen.

Matvei Michkov saw his first game action at the Wells Fargo Center and did not disappoint in the Flyers' 2-0 preseason win Thursday night over the Islanders.

Fans hoping to use Philadelphia Flyers rookie sensation Matvei Michkov in EA Sports NHL 25 are in luck – the 19-year-old is, in fact, on the game’s default roster this year.

Suiting up for the Flyers rookie game against the New York Rangers, Michkov showcased why he's no ordinary first-year player. The 19-year-old not only notched his first goal in orange and black but displayed the same dazzling skill set that prompted Philadelphia to take a risk on selecting him No. 7 overall in the 2023 NHL Draft.