Michkov Strikes Early, Woll Stops 28 as Flyers Shut Out Bruins 2-0
Philadelphia's first near-full lineup of the preseason delivered a Michkov goal, a Woll shutout, and another statement from rookie Cole Knuble.
The Flyers dressed something close to a real lineup for the first time this preseason, and the evening produced exactly the outline Philadelphia wanted to see: Matvei Michkov scoring early, a rookie forcing his way into the roster conversation, and Joseph Woll slamming the door in a 2-0 shutout of the Bruins at Xfinity Mobile Arena on September 24.
Michkov sets the tone
Michkov needed just over four minutes to make his mark, knocking in a loose puck at 4:02 of the first period with assists from Porter Martone and Helge Grans, per the Flyers' postgame report. It was the first preseason look at Michkov alongside most of the veteran group, and he nearly added a second late in the game.
Woll earns the night
Boston pushed hard in the middle frame, outshooting Philadelphia 14-6 in the second period, but Woll stopped all 28 shots he faced for the shutout. At the other end, Michael DiPietro was sharp for Boston with 26 saves in a game that finished even on shots, 28-28, according to the NHL.com preseason roundup.
Knuble keeps knocking
The insurance goal belonged to Cole Knuble, who jammed in a rebound at 2:57 of the third from Jacob Gaucher and Jett Luchanko — his second goal of the preseason. The rookie has been one of camp's most consistent forwards, and performances like this one keep tightening his case for an opening-night roster spot.
What's next
There were housekeeping notes, too: Nikita Grebenkin dressed for the first time this preseason, while Dan Vladar and Denver Barkey remain day-to-day, per the team's report. Philadelphia closes the preseason Saturday with what amounts to a dress rehearsal for opening night — and after a game like this, the biggest questions left are at the bottom of the roster, not the top.