Flyers Survive McDavid and the Oilers, Finish Road Trip with 5-2 Victory
Jan 3, 2026; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Jamie Drysdale (9) with Flyers center Denver Barkey (52) and Flyers center Sean Couturier (14) celebrates Barkey’s goal against the Edmonton Oilers during the first period at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images
The Philadelphia Flyers, after a disappointing loss to the Calgary Flames, faced back-to-back teams from Alberta, as they traveled to Edmonton to face the red-hot Edmonton Oilers, who are atop the Pacific Division.
Though the Flyers were able to jump out to a three-goal lead in the first period, they knew that this Oilers team would continue to be a challenge for Philadelphia, as goals from Connor McDavid and Evan Bouchard brought the Oilers right back in the game.
With containing Leon Draisaitl and Zach Hyman, the Flyers were able to hold the Oilers while surging themselves to dominate in the end, winning 5-2.
Barkey Gets on the Board for the First Time
Not only was the Denver Barkey goal just seven minutes into the game the first of the game, but it was the first of his young career.
The 20-year-old has made a huge first impression after getting recalled from the Flyers’ farm system. Though he had come so close so many times, he had not been able to put the puck in the net until a great feed from Owen Tippett from the right side into the open ice. Tippett, who has made many great passes these last few years, found the perfect time to feed the youngster and give him his first NHL tally.
Confidence is all the kid needed, as Barkey had been thrown in with two great playmakers in Sean Couturier and Tippett, who have been with his line since he was brought up on December 20.
Canadian Olympian Gets on the Board
Recently, the rosters for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games were released, revealing a few Flyers who will represent various countries. With the Canadian roster release, it was a huge deal to see the name Travis Sanheim on the list, who also played on last year’s Four Nations Canadian squad.
To celebrate this selection bid, Sanheim thought it would be fitting to score a goal in the first period to extend the lead to two.
With the Flyers already putting pressure on Oilers’ goaltender Calvin Pickard, they finally cashed in on a beautiful wrist shot from the Italy-bound defenseman.
Flyers’ 3-0 Lead Came Close to Another Blown Game
The Flyers, many times this season, have been able to jump out to multiple-goal leads, which, even though it is what you’d do in a perfect world, has been a troubled area. Whether it’s the experience of young guys when having the lead, or a defensive strategy change, other teams have been able to climb their way back and take advantage of the Flyers’ mistakes and missed opportunities. Even though the Flyers have won most of these games in that position, it’s just not a good place to find yourself, especially in a playoff push.
This theme was very close to coming up today, as the Oilers, late in the first, were able to cash in on a breakaway goal from nobody but McDavid, who leads the National Hockey League in assists and points (24 goals, 46 assists, 70 points). Adding onto that, the Oilers scored on their first power play of the game, with the “Bouch-Bomb,” a slap shot from the point that put the Oilers in a great place before the second intermission, with being down only a goal, after coughing up the first three.
Flyers Return Home After Splitting Road Trip
After losses to the Seattle Kraken and the Calgary Flames, and wins against the Chicago Blackhawks, Vancouver Canucks, and the Oilers, the Flyers return home after a respectable 3-2-0 road trip. The Flyers were able to find out what works and what doesn’t during this road trip, as there were a lot of good looks for the team. Offense, defense, goaltending, and special teams were greatly tested during the trip, and are ready to come home and improve for the best.
The Flyers take on the Anaheim Ducks and the infamous Cutter Gauthier this upcoming Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. in South Philadelphia.
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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