Behind the Hockey Scenes: Philadelphia Flyers Host the Columbus Blue Jackets

Pregame

Based on one's perspective, some may understandably assert certain rights to cover professional sports events based on their full-time or part-time media status. I respect that. For me, as a freelance writer, it is a privilege to receive a credential from any sports organization.

I earned my first credential during the 2011-12 season when the Flyers hosted the Montreal Canadiens at the Wells Fargo Center on November 25, 2011. They defeated 'Les Habitants' (the settlers of New France) 3-1. Claude Giroux scored two goals in that game, with Sergei Bobrovsky earning the win in net. Peter Laviolette was the Flyers' head coach, and Chris Pronger was the team captain.

Jacques Martin was the Canadiens' head coach, who, in later seasons, I would have the pleasure of eating a meal with at the stadium. He was an affable guy who spoke about many topics, including his having been the head coach of the Ottawa Senators and former Flyer, Mel Bridgman, having been the team's first General Manager in its inaugural season (1992-93).

Bridgman, the first overall pick in the 1975 draft, became the Flyers' captain after Bobby Clarke volunteered to become a playing assistant coach and led the team during its historic 35-game unbeaten streak in 1979-80. Bridgman died earlier this season, in November, at the age of 70.

The above represents the thought-memory mix I have while preparing to cover a game. Past experiences are generally about the people I met or were in the presence of. I prepare for whatever might happen today based partially on what happened during many yesterdays.

The pregame meal for stadium staff and the media is held in the lower press dining area on the event floor level. Chicken breast with mushrooms, mashed potatoes, and seasoned green beans were the main dish tonight. Additionally, a full salad bar, vegetable soup, wrapped chocolate chip cookies, soft serve ice cream with toppings, and a variety of drinks were offered and accepted.

The meal's total cost matches the approximate amount of an entree a fan buys upstairs during a game. In addition, nice snack foods, including Philadelphia pretzels, hot dogs, and drinks, are available on the press level, which is part of the oval atop the Arena, throughout the game. All who are grateful for these amenities, including me, appreciate it.

Why include two paragraphs about eating before a game?

I want readers to learn about unseen elements and know that it's good business to feed employees and media members. Sitting on a soft leather, padded chair on the press level, after a satisfying meal, allows one to be ready for game action, which is what this experience also represents. Traveling to and from the game and creating this feature is work, not entertainment, with my appreciation of what full-time and part-time media members and all stadium employees do regularly in effect.

“Goodnight and good hockey,” was the signature phrase said by the late, great Gene Hart.

I mentioned to Lauren Hart, his daughter and the team's anthem singer, that I always think about her dad when I'm here on the press level. Always gracious and warm-hearted, she appreciated the remembrance of her dad, who was a 1997 National Hockey League Hall of Fame inductee. He taught the game to fans in this region of the country during the team's early years through the 1990s. His presence resonates, still.

Introductions

The Philadelphia Flyers (31-23-11, 73 points) trail their opponent, the Columbus Blue Jackets (33-21-11, 77 points), in the playoff race. In recent seasons, a team needs to finish in the mid-90 point range to finish either as one of the top three teams in a division or as one of the two Wild Card qualifiers in either Conference.

The Flyers enter the 7:30 PM tilt at the Xfinity Mobil Arena (the stadium's most recent corporate sponsorship title, its fifth, which was applied last August) having won two games in a row. This game includes a special “The Office” theme, honoring one of the most creative comedies in recent television history. It went off the air in 2013, reinforcing its ongoing appeal.

The two points were earned after the team arrived in Minnesota in the wee hours of Thursday morning. Travis Konecny calmly put the puck past Minnesota Wild goaltender Jasper Wallstedt in the road shootout victory. Philadelphia was playing the second game of back-to-back contests after defeating the Washington Capitals 4-1 on Wednesday night.

Columbus lost 2-1 on the road in overtime to the Florida Panthers on Thursday. Former Flyers' defenseman Ivan Provorov, acquired in June 2023, is a starter for the Blue Jackets. Egor Zamula provides depth on defense after being signed as a free agent in January. He was traded by the Flyers to the Pittsburgh Penguins on December 31, 2025.

Starting goaltenders

Dan Vladar for the Flyers

Jet Greaves for the Blue Jackets

First period

A camera, attached to two cables, follows the action and provides a higher overview shot for viewers throughout the game. It travels at approximately eye level when looking straight ahead from press level seats.

The Blue Jackets started the scoring at 4:21 into the period. Vladar, who was on his back after facing multiple shots, had no chance to stop the blast taken at close range and in between the faceoff circles by Kirill Marchenko (25^th goal). Assists by Adam Fantilli and Damon Severson.

An unusual sequence occurred when the Flyers scored their first goal. It wasn't called, and play continued because of how quickly Alex Bump's (2^nd goal) slap shot from the point went over Greaves' shoulder, hit the net's upper right corner, and came out as though it hit the post. Assists to Emil Andre and Christian Dvorak.

Shots: Philadelphia – 6 Columbus - 13

Score: Philadelphia – 1 Columbus – 1

Intermission: Clips from “The Office” played on the huge, curved video board. Beneath it, the always-pleasing Mites on Ice (children's hockey teams) played a four-on-four game with the nets set up between the faceoff circles on both ends of the ice.

Second period

The above full ice view is the reason why watching hockey, in particular, allows viewers to see all plays develop, both goalies, what's happening on both benches, and how the fans on all levels are responding.

There are periods where little action results. Neither team is able to gain sustained pressure or scoring opportunities. The first half of this period was like that, with the Flyers having only two shots on goal. The Blue Jackets had six shots so far in this half frame.

Then the action turned as Carl Grundstrom and Adam Fantilli repeatedly punched each other in the face as they circled Columbus' net. Both received seven penalty minutes. The fans were engaged, proving that fighting has a place in hockey because the players police themselves.

Fans were reminded of Vladar's 'Steady Eddie' persona as the Blue Jackets recorded their twentieth shot with approximately six minutes to go in the period. He is the year's Most Valuable Player in Philadelphia and General Manager Daniel Briere's best acquisition, in terms of yielding immediate and unexpected results.

There weren't many empty seats, as the crowd size was observed near the end of the second period. That speaks to the refreshed nature of Flyers' fandom. The team is trying to make a playoff push and definitely is in a better position for next season and the ones to follow based on the current roster, players in the system, and draft assets held.

More physical encounters occurred with 24.3 seconds to go while the Flyers were on a power play, as Damon Severson was called for double cross-checking minors in front of Columbus' net. That type of double penalty isn't often seen.

Shots: Philadelphia – 5 Columbus - 8

Score: Philadelphia – 1 Columbus - 1

Intermission: The enormous video screen and the mega sound system were used to fill this gap between the second and third periods.

Third period

Both teams want two regulation points to be earned, based on their proximity in the standings, rather than going into overtime.

Some risks were taken, but not many. Someone will need to make an extraordinary play or get a lucky bounce to create a higher percentage goal-scoring opportunity. Neither happened, and so bonus hockey was given to the mid-March crowd at the South Philadelphia Sports Complex that continues to evolve, with plans to build a new hockey/basketball arena set in motion, potentially happening on the old Spectrum site in three-plus years and this arena being demolished. It opened in 1996.

Shots: Philadelphia – 6 Columbus - 7

Score: Philadelphia – 1 Columbus - 1

A brief intermission and then...

Overtime

No goals. So, onto the..

Shootout

Matvei Mitchkov – pad stop

Kent Johnson – shot it into Dan Vladar's chest

Trevor Zegras – shot it into Jet Greaves' glove

Adam Fantilli – Vladar pad save

Travis Konecny – Greaves' glove save

Kirill Marchenko – backhanded the puck past Vladar

The Flyers get a point but lose ground in the standings.

Three-star selections: 1. Machenko, 2. Zegras, and 3. Denver Barkey

Columbus 2 – Flyers - 1

After the horn sounded

The previously referenced overhead camera is removed approximately an hour after the game ends. 

The Flyers travel west for a three-game road trip that begins the day after Saint Patrick's Day, Wednesday, March 18^th, in Anaheim. Philadelphia then goes to Los Angeles and San Jose before returning to play Columbus at home again on March 24^th. 

(All photos shown in this feature are courtesy of Sean O'Brien.)