Flyers Youngsters Shine in 4-2 Win vs. Canadiens

Philadelphia's roster filled with young talent leads team to victory in regular-season finale.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 3:05am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a Flyers hockey game, with the players and action broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in vibrant orange, black, and white colors.The Flyers' young talent shines in a cubist-inspired illustration of their regular-season finale victory.Philadelphia Today

The Philadelphia Flyers rested several veteran players and fielded a roster filled with young talent, including 11 players 25 years old or younger, in their 4-2 win over the Montreal Canadiens in the regular-season finale. Defensemen Oliver Bonk and Hunter McDonald made their NHL debuts, while David Jiříček also made his Flyers debut. The young Flyers squad, led by 19-year-old Porter Martone's goal and an assist from 18-year-old Matvei Michkov, secured the victory.

Why it matters

The Flyers' decision to rest their veterans and give their young players significant ice time in the final game of the regular season showcases the team's depth and commitment to developing their future talent. This performance by the Flyers' youngsters is an encouraging sign for the team's long-term prospects as they head into the playoffs.

The details

The Flyers took a 1-0 lead in the first period as the young line of Alex Bump, Denver Barkey, and Matvei Michkov connected on a delayed penalty, with Michkov setting up 19-year-old Porter Martone for the goal. Bonk then scored his first NHL goal to make it 2-0. Michkov added a goal in the second period to restore the Flyers' two-goal lead, and Alex Bump scored in the third period to make it 4-2. Goaltender Sam Ersson made 27 saves in the win.

  • The Flyers closed out the regular season with 43 wins, the most since 2011-12.
  • The Flyers finished the season with a three-game winning streak and wins in six of their last seven games.
  • The Flyers had an 18-7-1 record since the Olympic break.

The players

Oliver Bonk

Flyers defenseman who made his NHL debut and scored his first career goal in the game.

Hunter McDonald

Flyers defenseman who made his NHL debut and recorded an assist in the game.

Matvei Michkov

18-year-old Flyers forward who had a goal and an assist in the game.

Porter Martone

19-year-old Flyers forward who scored a goal in his NHL debut.

Alex Bump

Flyers forward who scored a goal in the game.

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What they’re saying

“McDonald was called a 'throwback' to the Broad Street Bullies days by his coach at Northeastern, Jerry Keefe.”

— Jerry Keefe, Northeastern Head Coach

What’s next

The Flyers have secured a playoff spot and will now focus on their first-round matchup.

The takeaway

The Flyers' decision to give their young players significant playing time in the regular-season finale paid off, with the team's prospects showcasing their talent and potential. This performance bodes well for the Flyers' future as they head into the playoffs.