Flyers Stumble Out of the Gate With League-Worst Metrics
AI-generated image · US National Wire
Philadelphia opens the season 0-2-2 as head coach Rick Tocchet deals with a roster ranking last in several key expected goals categories.
The Philadelphia Flyers have suffered a discouraging start to the season, opening with an 0-2-2 record, as CBS Sports first reported. The struggle began with a 7-0 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins, a performance head coach Rick Tocchet described as "disturbing."
While the team entered the year with optimism following a run to the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs Eastern Conference Semifinals, the underlying data suggests a deeper issue. Reporting from CBS Sports, citing Natural Stat Trick, notes that the Flyers currently rank last in the NHL in three critical categories: five-on-five expected goals share (26.0%), expected goals against per 60 minutes (4.57 xGA/60), and expected goals for per 60 minutes (1.94 xGF/60).
Despite these numbers, the roster features emerging talent. Rookie Porter Martone previously recorded six goals and nine assists across 19 regular season and playoff games, and the team is looking to build on the momentum of last season's second-round appearance. However, with 80 games remaining in the schedule, the Flyers are currently fighting to restore the optimism that preceded their difficult four-game stretch.