Flyers lose 4-3 Sunday to Montreal on the second night of a back-to-back

The Flyers couldn’t complete the back-to-back sweep on Sunday, falling 4-3 to the Montreal Canadiens after a thrilling 7-5 win the night before. It was a tough night for the team, especially for Belarusian rookie goalie Aleksei Kolosov, who was making his NHL debut.

Kolosov’s Debut Was a Mixed Bag

It didn’t take long for the rookie’s nerves to show. Kolosov gave up his first career goal in the opening period, with Nick Suzuki cleaning up a loose puck right in front.

Kolosov made an impressive initial save, but Suzuki buried the rebound without much defensive pressure from the Flyers.

The second period, however, is where things really unraveled. Kolosov surrendered three goals, giving Montreal the cushion it needed to take control of the game.

While the first goal of the period wasn’t entirely on him, his lack of experience was evident in the other two. Still, the young netminder showed some poise in the third, keeping the Canadiens off the board and giving his team a chance to rally.

The Flyers made it interesting late in the third period

The Flyers managed to make it interesting in the final stretch.

Travis Sanheim, who scored Philly’s only goal in the first 55 minutes of play, found the net again with just over two minutes left.

On the board and bringing the noise. #MTLvsPHI | #LetsGoFlyers pic.twitter.com/s39YIsdH5e

— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) October 28, 2024

Travis Sanheim does it again 💪 pic.twitter.com/a6rKA6iyLt

— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) October 28, 2024

Kolosov then headed to the bench, and Travis Konecny cashed in with the extra attacker, trimming the deficit to one. Suddenly, the Flyers had a chance to tie things up in the final minute, but their luck ran out as Montreal’s defense tightened up to close out the game.

It was not all that bad

For most of the game, it seemed like one of those nights where fans might’ve considered turning it off early.

But the Flyers’ late surge provided a little spark for those who stuck around. Sanheim had a strong night, finishing with two goals and an assist on Konecny’s tally.

Kolosov had his ups and downs, but he also flashed the athleticism that could make him an exciting piece in the future. The raw talent is there—he just needs more reps at this level.

Sunday also marked Emil Andrae’s season debut. He didn’t do much to stand out, but let’s be honest, the fact that he’s not Egor Zamula is enough to give Flyers fans a sliver of hope.

Watch: Nick Seeler steps in and saves Coots some pain

Sean Couturier catches Kirby Dach up high and Arber Xhekaj goes after him

They drop the gloves and then Nick Seeler drops em and steps in 🤯 pic.twitter.com/4nz6BwtrBC

— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) October 27, 2024

Arber Xhekaj tried to drop the gloves with Flyers captain Sean Couturier after a big hit on Kirby Dach. But Nick Seeler stepped in to handle business and protect his captain.

Props to Couturier for being willing to go toe-to-toe with Xhekaj, but it’s probably best that Seeler intervened—Xhekaj is a heavyweight in this league.

Montreal rookie Arber Xhekaj gets the better of Zack Kassian in a fight pic.twitter.com/KMZvjURqmL

— Brady Trettenero (@BradyTrett) October 20, 2022

Next up is Boston

The Flyers get a breather on Monday before heading to Boston for a Tuesday night clash with the Bruins. Puck drop is set for 7:00 pm, and it’s another tough test for this gritty, yet inconsistent Flyers squad.

Torts met with the media following tonight's 4-3 loss to the Canadiens. #MTLvsPHI

— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) October 28, 2024

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Mandatory Credit: Photo by Yong Kim of the Philadelphia Inquirer