The Philadelphia Flyers have finally earned their first win of the 2026-27 campaign. Philadelphia defeated the Ottawa Senators 3-1, bringing an end to a historically poor start that had left them at 0-6-3. Ottawa arrived as one of the hottest teams in the Eastern Conference, boasting six wins from eight games, but were made to leave empty-handed by the home team.
A cagey opening period settles nothing
The first period ended scoreless at 0-0. Neither team was able to find a way through, with both defences staying organised and chances hard to come by. Philadelphia limited the opposition's chances and ensured the high-flying Senators could not establish an early foothold.
For the Flyers, that scoreless opening period carried real significance. A team desperately in need of stability after its dreadful start to the season, they held firm under pressure. Head coach Rick Tocchet — who took charge in Philadelphia in May 2025 and previously played eleven seasons for the Flyers himself — watched his side absorb Ottawa's best and head into the first intermission with a clean sheet.
Four goals in a breathless middle frame
The game opened up dramatically in the second period. Ottawa struck first when Drake Batherson finished off a two-on-one with a one-timer, converting a cross-ice feed from Claude Giroux at 5:55 to give the Senators a 1-0 lead.
Philadelphia responded immediately. Porter Martone drew the teams level at 9:03, finishing off a pass from Matvei Michkov to make it 1-1. The direct finish gave the Flyers a visible lift and shifted the momentum firmly in their favour.
Philadelphia then turned the game on its head late in the period. After a shot from David Jiricek was turned aside by Linus Ullmark with the pads, Matvei Michkov pounced on the rebound to convert on the power play. The goal at 18:33 put the Flyers ahead 2-1 and they carried that lead into the second intermission.
Dan Vladar withstands late Ottawa push
Philadelphia set about protecting the lead in the third period. Ottawa cranked up the pressure in the closing stages and were handed a power play opportunity, but goaltender Dan Vladar stood tall in net and denied the Senators time and again. His performance proved crucial as the Flyers survived a late scare and saw out the remaining minutes.
The win was sealed moments before the buzzer. Trevor Zegras scored into the empty net at 19:00 of the third period, settling the final score at 3-1 in Philadelphia's favour. The third period ended 1-0 to the Flyers.
First win marks a turning point
The victory ended Philadelphia's long search for a first win of the season. Matvei Michkov delivered a decisive contribution with a goal and an assist, while Porter Martone also played a key role in the turnaround. Ottawa, for their part, were unable to build on their strong form and failed to find the net in the final period.
For the Flyers, this result amounted to far more than a routine entry in the standings. Having endured the worst start in franchise history, they delivered a bounce-back performance against a quality opponent, capitalised on their chances in the middle frame, and closed out the game without the need for overtime or a shootout — earning their first win of the season the hard way.
