Bill Meltzer’s Flyers blog is powered by Phans of Philly, by Lights On Electric, by New Balance of Mount Laurel, by Cover All Exteriors, by Summit Public Adjusters and our newest sponsors, The Mens and Boys Store and Carl’s Cards and Collectibles.
With all eyes on the television for the men’s semifinal round at the 2026 Winter Olympics, the Philadelphia Flyers had an off-day on Friday. Practice resumes at the FTC on Saturday.
Meanwhile, in Milan.Team Canada (Travis Sanheim) and Team Finland (Rasmus Ristolainen) battled for a spot in the gold medal game.
A Nathan MacKinnon short-side goal with 35.2 seconds left in the third period withstood a coach’s challenge for an offside. It capped off a comeback from a 2-0 deficit. Sanheim assisted on the game-tying goal earlier in the period.
The Canadians dominated the final 40 minutes after getting outplayed in the first period. Consequently, Team Canada will play for gold on Sunday against the winner of the USA vs. Slovakia match. Finland plays for bronze.
Roster moves
Gettin’ Gritty Wit’ It Podcast
Earlier this week, I dropped by the Gettin’ Gritty Wit’ It podcast to speak with hosts Yariv Wolok and Vasili Gianarakos. In a comprehensive 90-minute conversation, we touched on all of the following topics:
- Expectations vs reality
- Michkov focus: communication and candor, conditioning, adjustments, wing switch
- Rick Tocchet’s impact beyond Michkov
- Roster strategy and leverage window
- Trade deadline outlook and targets
- Prospect pipeline and Phantoms next season
- Alumni events and closing segments
Flyers Learn to Play Rookie Program
Flyers forward and Learn to Play ambassador Owen Tippett will surprise 50+ kids ages 5-9 during their Flyers Learn to Play practice at the Skatium in Havertown. The event starts at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday.
This is Tippett’s third season of being a Learn to Play ambassador. Owen and his wife, Taylor, support the Flyers initiative in an effort to grow the game by hosting Learn to Play students at Flyers games for postgame meet and greets and making surprise appearances at practices.
Flyers Alumni: Free Meet & Greet
FLYERS ALUMNI MEET AND GREET
- Free event: No cover charge, no charge for autographs or photos
- Flyers Alumni attendees TBA
- Early registration discounts for Alumni Charity Classic Weekend: Pickleball, Walk/Run/Ride
- Register to win an autographed Flyers Alumni jersey
FLYERS ALUMNI MEET AND GREET
February 25, 2026
Great American Pub, Conshohocken, PA
6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.Free event: free autographs or photos
Alumni attendees TBA
Early registration discounts for Charity Classic Weekend: Pickleball, Walk/Run/Ride
Win an autographed jersey pic.twitter.com/zmAtdjSCBu— Flyers Alumni (@FlyersAlumni) February 20, 2026
