In the final preseason game of the 2024-2025 preseason schedule, the New Jersey Devils (or Utica Comets) play the Philadelphia Flyers. Let’s take a look at what to watch for in this final preseason matchup.
The Essentials:
Matchup: New Jersey Devils at Philadelphia Flyers
Date: October 3, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Broadcast: NHLN, NBCSP
Listen: Devils Hockey Network
Last Devils Game: On October 1, 2024, the Devils lost a 5-4 game versus Our Hated Rivals.
Last Flyers Game: The Flyers last played the Boston Bruins on October 1, 2024, and lost 4-1.
Last Time the Devils Played the Flyers: On April 13, 2024, the Devils lost a 1-0 game to the Flyers. See Jackson’s recap of that game here.
Injury Notes
Devils: Brett Pesce – Lower Leg, Santeri Hatakka – Undisclosed, Luke Hughes – Shoulder, Topias Vilen – Upper Body, Josh Filmon – Upper Body
Flyers: Ryan Ellis – Back, Nick Seeler – Undisclosed (day-to-day), Samu Tuomaala – Undisclosed (day-to-day)
Brett Pesce Update
On Wednesday, Devils fans received positive news regarding defenseman Brett Pesce’s injury status. According to Mike Morreale, general manager Tom Fitzgerald listed Pesce as day-to-day and discussed the possibility of a return to the lineup around the time of the Devils’ home opener.
Last Looks
We have arrived at the final preseason game of 2024-2025 for the New Jersey Devils. The starting roster is already in Prague preparing for the season opener against the Buffalo Sabres as part of the NHL’s Global Series. Similar to the game against the Rangers, this will be another opportunity for prospects and players signed to professional tryout deals to prove what they can do. The players that have stood out so far are Kevin Leblanc, Brian Halonen, Mike Hardman, Nathan Legare, Xavier Parent, Jakob Zboril, and Daniel Misyul (in no particular order).
Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images
Who to Watch For: Devils
Chase Stillman. There has been a lot of hype surrounding the 2021 first-round pick. Stillman sat out the preseason game on October 1st but had two high-danger chances in his last start against the Rangers on September 30th. He was clearly disappointed not to put either of them home but put himself in good scoring positions. I am interested in seeing if he can build on that game if given the opportunity in this final preseason contest.
Justin Dowling. The centerman is tied for third on the team with 21 shots for (SF) at 5-on-5 this preseason. Dowling ranks third on the team in the preseason with 20 scoring chances for (SCF) while he is on the ice at 5-on-5 and has a Corsi For Percentage of just over 51% (all per Natural Stat Trick). Unlike Stillman, Dowling is a 34-year-old veteran who has spent time in Vancouver and Dallas. Dowling might not be the typical quick-rising prospect and there are zero expectations for him, but who doesn’t love an underdog story?
I am watching for the players that have performed well so far, Lebanc, Hardman, Misyul, etc. to continue to play at that high level. Give Leblanc as many opportunities as possible to shoot that puck. As of the writing of this article, I would imagine that the players who sat out the last preseason game against the Rangers would get an opportunity to play against the Flyers. This would include Chase Stillman and others, such as Justin Dowling.
Who to Watch For: Flyers
Here is the Flyers roster for their game on October 1, 2024, versus the Bruins (via NHL.com).
FORWARDS (12)
10 – BOBBY BRINK
11 – TRAVIS KONECNY
14 – SEAN COUTURIER
17 – JETT LUCHANKO
19 – GARNET HATHAWAY
39 – MATVEI MICHKOV
48 – MORGAN FROST
71 – TYSON FOERSTER
73 – ELLIOT DESNOYERS
74 – OWEN TIPPETT
78 – JACOB GAUCHER
90 – ANTHONY RICHARD
DEFENSEMEN (6)
6 – TRAVIS SANHEIM
8 – CAM YORK
9 – JAMIE DRYSDALE
24 – NICK SEELER
41 – HUNTER McDONALD
59 – OLIVER BONK
GOALTENDERS (2)
33 – SAMUEL ERSSON
40 – CAL PETERSEN
The Flyers may start a similar lineup against the Devils, but given the recent rash of injuries around the league…see Macklin Celebrini, Brady Tkachuk, and Patrik Laine (yikes!), I would not be surprised if the Flyers sat more of their starters as the preseason winds down. Especially players who have a significant injury history, like defenseman Jamie Drysdale. Why risk it?
Honestly, I am anxious for the regular season to start already. The vast majority of the Devils’ lineup has been set since the team traveled to Prague. As always, I will happily cheer on the boys in this matchup against any Flyers team, but let’s go with the real thing! Friday is just around the corner.
Your Thoughts
Will you be watching tonight? Who would you like to see get one last look? Where do you stand on Chase Stillman? As always, thank you for reading, and GO DEVILS!!!