Trevor Zegras and Tyson Foerster shine in victory, boosting Philadelphia's chances as postseason looms
Category: Sports
NEWARK, N.J. — The Philadelphia Flyers took a giant step toward ending a five-year playoff drought with a resounding 5-1 victory over the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on April 7, 2026. This win marks a turning point for the Flyers, who have now won 40 games for the first time since the 2019-20 season, improving their record to 40-26-12 and solidifying their hold on the final playoff spot in the Metropolitan Division.
Trevor Zegras was the star of the night, scoring two goals within the first 3:38 minutes of the game, bringing his season total to 25 goals and 40 assists. His first goal came just 1:56 into the match, set up by a precise pass from Travis Sanheim. Zegras capitalized on a power play just 1:42 later, tipping in a shot from rookie Porter Martone, marking him as the second-fastest Flyer to score two goals to start a game, trailing only Brian Propp, who achieved the feat in 1982.
“We believed all year that we could be in this position,” said Owen Tippett, who assisted on Zegras’ first goal. “The job's not done yet, we've got to continue going. We're having a lot of fun as a group in here.”
Tyson Foerster, who recently returned from a four-month arm injury, made a strong impact by scoring two goals in the second period, bringing his total to 13 goals in 25 games this season. His first goal came just moments after the Devils had generated a couple of prime scoring chances, and his second was a result of a well-executed 3-on-2 break alongside Zegras and Matvei Michkov.
“We've missed him all year,” Tippett noted about Foerster's return. “He has put in the hard work to get back in time. It’s great to see him back out there smiling and having a good time.”
Matvei Michkov played a key role in Foerster's success, assisting on both of his goals. The Flyers' rookie sensation has now recorded multiple points in several games this season, and the team is 9-0-0 when he does so.
Nick Seeler capped off the scoring with an empty-net goal in the final minutes, his third goal of the season. “These are the games that you want to play with each other and for each other,” Seeler said. “It has been a blast. I think this group has come together since the Olympic break more than ever.”
On the defensive end, Dan Vladar was instrumental in the victory, making 23 saves on 24 shots. His performance has been a stabilizing force for the Flyers, as he has allowed just three goals over the past three games. “Vladdy was outstanding,” Seeler remarked. “He made unreal saves on the PK, keeping us ahead.”
The Flyers' victory secured them a much-needed win and pushed them two points ahead of the Columbus Blue Jackets, who are vying for the same playoff position. With only four games remaining in the regular season, the Flyers are in a strong position to clinch a playoff berth. The Islanders, who were idle during the Flyers' game, now trail Philadelphia by three points.
After the game, Zegras expressed confidence in the team's ability to maintain their momentum. “It feels like almost for a month now we've been playing must-win games,” he said. “We're definitely getting more comfortable and definitely settling in a little bit, for sure.”
The Flyers' recent surge has been marked by a strong team effort, highlighted by the contributions of young players. Coach Rick Tocchet has praised the rookies, stating, “Love seeing the young guys in these spots, how they're dealing with it. They're having fun, that's the whole part of it. Don't be scared of it; go attack it.”
Meanwhile, the Devils faced elimination from playoff contention with this loss, finishing the game with a record of 40-35-3. Cody Glass scored New Jersey's only goal of the night, but it was not enough to overcome the Flyers' early lead. Jacob Markstrom, the Devils' goaltender, struggled, stopping only 14 of the 18 shots he faced.
The Flyers are now looking ahead to their next matchup against the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday, where they hope to continue their playoff push. As the season winds down, every game is becoming increasingly important for the Flyers, who are determined to return to the postseason.
In a season filled with ups and downs, the Flyers are finding their stride at the right time, and fans are hopeful that this year's team can break the playoff drought that has lingered for too long.
With the playoffs just around the corner, the Flyers are playing for a spot and for redemption and a chance to prove themselves on a bigger stage. The excitement is building, and the team is eager to rise to the occasion.