Flyers Shut Out by Mammoth as Ristolainen Awaits Trade Deadline Fate

Ristolainen played in his 800th career game, but his future with the Flyers remains uncertain ahead of the NHL trade deadline.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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The Philadelphia Flyers were shut out 3-0 by the Utah Mammoth on Thursday night, with the team's sloppy play and lack of energy proving costly. Rasmus Ristolainen, who played in his 800th career game, is considered the likeliest Flyer to be traded before Friday's NHL trade deadline, though he says he's not focused on the speculation. The Flyers have struggled to generate offense, registering 25 shots or fewer in eight straight games, and now face a tough stretch of games as they try to keep their slim playoff hopes alive.

Why it matters

The Flyers' loss to the Mammoth highlights the team's ongoing struggles, with the trade deadline looming and the playoffs slipping further out of reach. Ristolainen's uncertain future adds an extra layer of drama, as the veteran defenseman has yet to experience the postseason in his career. The Flyers' inability to generate consistent offense and win battles on the ice has been a recurring issue, putting pressure on the team to turn things around quickly.

The details

The Flyers were outmatched by the Mammoth, with a series of unforced errors leading to Utah's second goal and essentially sealing the game. Travis Sanheim lost the puck on a wraparound attempt, while Rasmus Ristolainen was caught flat-footed as Dylan Guenther chipped the puck past him. Matvei Michkov failed to sense the developing danger, allowing Clayton Keller to score and make it 2-0 for the Mammoth. The Flyers finished with just 16 shots on goal and struggled on the power play, losing all five of their faceoffs with the man advantage.

  • Ristolainen played in his 800th career game on Thursday night.
  • The NHL trade deadline is on Friday, March 6, 2026.

The players

Rasmus Ristolainen

A veteran defenseman for the Philadelphia Flyers who is considered the likeliest player on the team to be traded before the NHL trade deadline.

Travis Sanheim

A defenseman for the Philadelphia Flyers who was involved in the play that led to the Mammoth's second goal.

Matvei Michkov

A forward for the Philadelphia Flyers who was criticized for his lack of awareness on the play that led to the Mammoth's second goal.

Clayton Keller

The leading scorer for the Utah Mammoth, who scored the team's second goal against the Flyers.

Rick Tocchet

The head coach of the Philadelphia Flyers, who was reluctant to publicly criticize Michkov's play.

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What they’re saying

“Tried to make a play at the net. Then, as I came up, Risto goes to step up on Guenther. I saw that we had an F3, so I thought I could play Guenther on the wall. Obviously, misread it with (Michkov).”

— Travis Sanheim, Flyers Defenseman (New York Times)

“What did you see?”

— Rick Tocchet, Flyers Head Coach (New York Times)

“A guy not backcheck, and two D beat.”

— Reporter (New York Times)

“Yeah. What do you want me to say? Yeah.”

— Rick Tocchet, Flyers Head Coach (New York Times)

“I can't really control that, so I just try to come in every day. Obviously, tomorrow we'll see what happens.”

— Rasmus Ristolainen, Flyers Defenseman (New York Times)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.