Flyers’ Struggling Defender Becomes the Hero in Overtime in Comeback Fashion
Nov 20, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Flyers right wing Travis Konecny (11) celebrates game-winning goal in overtime by Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Travis Sanheim (6) against the St. Louis Blues at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
The Philadelphia Flyers return home after splitting the road trip with a win against the St. Louis Blues and a loss against the Dallas Stars. The Flyers, tonight, during their annual “Hockey Fights Cancer” night, kept their love and support for those who continue to fight deep down inside, as they complete yet another comeback after facing a two-goal deficit.
Though it wasn’t pretty at times, certain plays ended up working and guys stepped up when needed most, including Rodrigo Abols, who scored his first goal of the season, and Flyers’ defenseman Travis Sanheim, who scored the overtime winner in tonight’s 3-2 overtime win.
First Period Struggles Continue
Going into tonight’s game, the Flyers had not been strong to start the game, even in games they had won. Before tonight, the Flyers were 31st in the NHL in both goals scored in the first period and goals allowed in the first period. These trends continued tonight as the Flyers had little puck possession, while the Blues were able to dance in the Flyers’ zone at times in the period.
After the first, the Blues ended up taking a two-goal lead, both goals scored by Blues defenseman Justin Faulk. Neither the speed nor the defense seemed to show up for the Flyers, as they not only gave up those two goals, but were not able to get many chances of their own, even on the power play, as they went into the locker room for the first intermission being down a pair of tallies.
If the Flyers want any chance of contention at any point in the NHL season, you cannot take a period off. Even if you are not able to make a huge statement in the first period, you need to at least avoid falling into a hole. This season, especially tonight, plays and lines were not there, as guys were not able to retrieve the puck and go to the net, which will more than not lead to no goal production.
Vladar Regains Confidence
After the Flyers’ 5-1 loss to the Dallas Stars on Saturday night, the Flyers and goaltender Daniel Vladar had hoped to put that performance away, as they had done in the past. Vladar, even after giving up two goals in the first period, was able to bounce back as he had hoped and kept this team in the game through and through, ultimately leading to the victory.
Vladar gave up two goals tonight, both in the first. Even though Vladar did not seem as confident or composed as we had usually seen him, he was able to bring himself together in the end, as he made some key saves to keep the game in reach.
Vladar, who had once led the league with a 1.75 GAA and a .929 save percentage, has now started to bring his early start to his season back, which he knows will only go up from here.
Foerster Makes His Presence Felt
After dealing with a handful of injuries, spanning from the off-season to now, Flyers’ young star Tyson Foerster has recently returned from dealing with these various injuries. Foerster is a guy whom the Flyers have relied on for goal scoring, as his big frame gives him a heavy shot.
The Flyers sure saw that heavy shot tonight, as Foerster had himself the game-tying goal in the third period to tie the game at two goals apiece. A one-timer into the short side of the net for Tyson’s fifth goal of the year certainly gave the Flyers hope in multiple ways, whether it be a tie game or kick-starting a good young player in Foerster. This goal means a lot to him, as he will be needed down the road for the Flyers. Foerster, who had 29 goals in the last two seasons in the NHL, brought back that energy tonight, even after dealing with injuries.
Sanny Wins it, Sends the Flyers into Saturday with Confidence
After Saturday’s disappointing loss to Dallas, this game felt almost like a must-win if the Flyers wanted any chance at getting back into a groove. Though down two after the first, a hard-fought comeback capped off by Sanheim was complete, as he scored his second goal of the season.
The Flyers, after the comeback, can now go into Saturday’s matchup against the 27-point New Jersey Devils, in South Philadelphia at 7:00 PM.
Luke Raidy
Luke has covering the the Flyers and Phillies for Philly Sports Reports since 2025. He is a junior at North Penn and being a huge Philly sports fan has brought so many experiences, such as going to the NLDS, NLCS, and even the World Series in 2022. He has also met former superstars in the city of Philadelphia, such as Wayne Simmonds from the Flyers. Though being a student-athlete, Luke enjoys his time where he is writing and reporting on Philadelphia sports.
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