Flyers Explode for Four Goals in the Third, Upset the Avalanche 7-3
Jan 23, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Philadelphia Flyers right wing Owen Tippett (74) celebrates his goal with teammates in the first period against the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
The Philadelphia Flyers, tonight, did as close to the impossible as it gets, as they took down the Colorado Avalanche on the road, who had only lost in regulation once on home ice. Not only did the Flyers stand tall and hold their ground after the Avs tied the game, but they took control and dominated the last 20 minutes, something head coach Rick Tocchet had preached the entire season.
The domination came in the hands of both the offense and the defense, as the Flyers had a goal differential of +4 in the third period. They were able to do this all while facing Mackenzie Blackwood, one of the many elite goaltenders for the Avalanche. Blackwood went into tonight with a save percentage of .917, fourth in the NHL. The Flyers, however, did not mind handing him his third regulation loss of the year, with a save percentage of .684 (six goals on 19 shots). With goaltending standing tall, an elite power play look, a pair of Matvei Michkov goals, and an Owen Tippett hat trick against the 77-point Avs, the Flyers’ 7-3 win was unreal.
Denver Barkey in Denver, CO
After Tippett got the Flyers on the board first, the offense wasn’t done yet, even against the Avs. The lead would expand to two goals for the remainder of the first period, as Denver Barkey would score in Denver, Colorado. This goal did not come even strength or an odd man rush, but came from a Flyers power play. A beautiful feed from Michkov gave Barkey a beautiful look in front of the net, where he would ultimately bury the puck for the power play goal.
This marks the first career power play goal for Barkey, who had a power play point in his National Hockey League debut in New York for his first career point. Though that is special, this goal tonight for Barkey must feel good, as he finally showed the League what he is capable of. Denver’s insurance goal in Denver was not only beautiful but crucial for the team.
Ersson Stands Tall Against the Avs
A struggling goaltender against the Colorado Avalanche, who are projected to challenge the Bruins’ 2023 record of 135 points, goes in the favor of the goaltender who came into tonight with a goals against average of 3.38 and a save percentage of .858 (60th among goaltenders). Though the Avalanche were able to get three goals through Samuel Ersson, he saw 35 shots total, meaning the save percentage tonight against the number one team in the NHL was .914.
On top of that, the Avalanche came into tonight with a third-period goals differential of +35, 10 more than the second-best in the entire league. Not only did the offense put up four goals in the third period alone, but Ersson shutout the Avs for the third period.
Tonight, Ersson shutout the Avalanche for two periods out of three. With two good wins for Ersson in both Vegas and Colorado on the road, many might think that something has changed from the Ersson we saw earlier this season. Regardless, Ersson has stepped up huge in the absence of Daniel Vladar.
Orange Hats in Denver, Tippett Collects Second Career Hat Trick
One of the highlights of this huge win for the Flyers is the performance from forward Tippett, who put three past Blackwood for a hat trick tonight with no empty net goals. Tippett, who seems to attack Colorado well, scored three highlight-worthy goals, showing the value he brings to this Flyers team. With absences of players throughout the season, Tippett stepped up when the Flyers needed to most, and in a 3-3 game, Tippett scored not one, but two more goals to extend the Flyers’ lead to 6-3.
Along with the three goals for Tippett, the power play assist on the goal from Barkey makes this a four-point night for Tipp, a new career high. Against a goaltender like Blackwood, the Flyers should be excited about the version of Tippett we are seeing right now.
Flyers Take Confidence Back Home
After a night like tonight that wraps up the road trip, the Flyers return home to South Philadelphia to meet the Flyers fans Monday night, as they welcome in the New York Islanders, whom they have beaten twice already in the shootout. The Flyers were clearly able to throw the loss in Utah right out of the window and move on in a big way. After a win like tonight, the Flyers now build back the all-important confidence.
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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