Flyers Fall to Devils in Overtime, Extending Winless Start to Two Games

Key points

• The Flyers lost 3-2 in overtime to the New Jersey Devils on October 1, 2026.
• New Jersey outshot Philadelphia 41-22 and controlled possession throughout the game.
• Jack Hughes scored the game-winning goal in overtime for the Devils.
• Joseph Woll made 41 saves in his Flyers debut, stopping 29 shots before the third period.
• The Flyers are now 0-1-1, matching their record at this point in Tocchet’s first season.
• Travis Sanheim and Rasmus Ristolainen scored for Philadelphia, but turnovers led to goals against.

Background

The Flyers suffered a 7-0 defeat in their season opener against the Pittsburgh Penguins on September 30, 2026. This loss to the Devils marks their second consecutive defeat, leaving them without a win to start the 2026-27 season. In Tocchet’s first season as head coach, the team also began 0-1-1. The current roster includes new acquisitions like Joseph Woll and Matvei Michkov, who has shown increased assertiveness compared to the previous season.

How outlets are covering it

PHLY Sports emphasizes the lack of standout performances from Flyers skaters, contrasting them with Jack Hughes’s exceptional play. NBC Sports Philadelphia highlights the team’s struggle with possession and execution, noting that Christian Dvorak and Travis Sanheim expressed frustration over straying from their usual style. NHL.com provides lineup details, noting that the Flyers will face the Carolina Hurricanes next, with Denver Barkey potentially returning during a road trip. Commentators on PHLY Sports suggest the team may be suffering from rust due to a shortened training camp, while others criticize the lack of offensive creativity and talent.

Why it matters

The Flyers’ early struggles raise concerns about their ability to compete in the division, especially with a tough schedule ahead. The team’s inability to maintain leads despite strong goaltending from Joseph Woll suggests deeper issues with puck movement and offensive execution. As the season progresses, the Flyers must address these fundamental problems to avoid a prolonged winless streak, which could impact their playoff aspirations and fan confidence.

What to watch

The Flyers will rest on Friday before hosting the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday at 7 p.m. ET. They are scheduled to play the New Jersey Devils three more times this season. The team will also begin a three-game road trip starting Monday against the Tampa Bay Lightning, with potential returns from injured players like Denver Barkey.