Flyers Look to Bounce Back Against Surging Blue Jackets

Philadelphia aims to end recent skid against Columbus, who have won 5 of 6 since coaching change

Jan. 28, 2026 at 12:55pm

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The Philadelphia Flyers hit the road again for a back-to-back, starting with a matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Wednesday night. The Flyers are looking to bounce back after a poor performance in their last game, while the Blue Jackets have been surging lately, winning 5 of their last 6 games since making a coaching change.

Why it matters

This is a critical game for the Flyers, who have lost 8 of their last 10 games and need to turn things around to maintain their position in the standings. The Blue Jackets, on the other hand, have been revitalized under new leadership and will be a tough test for the struggling Flyers.

The details

The Flyers are coming off what was arguably their worst performance of the season on Monday, and will look to rebound against a Blue Jackets team that has been hot lately. Trevor Zegras, who has been a leader for the Flyers all season, will need to turn things around after cooling off with just 2 goals and 5 points in the last 10 games. Meanwhile, Columbus forward Mason Marchment has been on a tear since being acquired, scoring 8 of his 12 goals this season in just 9 games with the Blue Jackets.

  • The game is scheduled for Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.
  • The Flyers are coming off a game on Monday, January 27, 2026.

The players

Trevor Zegras

A leading scorer for the Philadelphia Flyers who has cooled off lately, with just 2 goals and 5 points in the last 10 games.

Mason Marchment

A forward for the Columbus Blue Jackets who has been on a hot streak since being acquired, scoring 8 of his 12 goals this season in just 9 games with the team.

Dan Vladar

The starting goaltender for the Philadelphia Flyers, returning to the lineup after missing the last 6 games due to injury.

Elvis Merzlikins

The starting goaltender for the Columbus Blue Jackets, who has struggled this season, allowing 2 goals or fewer in only 2 of his 18 starts.

Noah Juulsen

A Flyers defenseman who is returning to the lineup after being a healthy scratch in the previous game.

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What they’re saying

“We must turn things around quickly if we want to stay in the playoff race. This is a big game against a team that's been playing well lately.”

— Trevor Zegras, Forward, Philadelphia Flyers (973espn.com)

“The coaching change has really energized our team. We're playing with a lot more confidence and intensity, and it's showing in the results.”

— Mason Marchment, Forward, Columbus Blue Jackets (973espn.com)

What’s next

The Flyers will continue their back-to-back road trip on Thursday, January 29, 2026 when they take on the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The takeaway

This game represents a critical test for the struggling Flyers, who need to find a way to turn things around against a surging Blue Jackets team that has been revitalized under new leadership. The outcome could have major implications for Philadelphia's playoff hopes as the season enters the home stretch.