NHL · January 23, 2026
Philadelphia Flyers @ Colorado Avalanche
Free LineCrush game report for Philadelphia Flyers @ Colorado Avalanche on January 23, 2026, with matchup analysis and pick ideas generated for the daily slate. Reports can update as lineups, injuries, and odds develop, so confirm time-sensitive details before acting.
Matchup Analysis
Avalanche's Unexpected December Struggles
Colorado's 34-5-9 record masks recent inconsistency, going 3-3-2 in their last eight games with three regulation losses in their past 10 outings. For a team expected to dominate, this represents a concerning trend heading into the season's stretch run, though their elite goal differential (averaging the most per game while allowing the fewest) remains their foundation.
Flyers' Discipline Crisis and Momentum Loss
Philadelphia has lost seven of their last eight games following a devastating overtime collapse against Utah caused by a late-game mistake from Garnet Hathaway. Head coach Rick Tocchet expressed concerns about continued indiscipline, suggesting potential lineup changes are possible if mistakes persist.
Goaltender Matchup Tells Contrasting Stories
Samuel Ersson makes his second start against Colorado (allowing three goals on Dec. 7) with just two wins in his last 12 games and a recent 22-save performance in a losing effort. Mackenzie Blackwood returns from injury in goal for Colorado, having allowed five goals on 28 shots in his Jan. 16 return but previously bested Ersson 3-2 on Dec. 7.
Lineup Changes Impact Both Teams' Depth
The Flyers get Carl Grundstrom back after a healthy scratch, while Colorado gains Joel Kiviranta after missing 10 games with a lower-body injury. These roster adjustments could swing depth production, particularly in the third and fourth lines where Colorado has maintained strong possession metrics.
MacKinnon's Cooling Trend vs. Zegras' Inconsistency
Nathan MacKinnon, despite 11 points in his last eight games, has been held off the scoresheet in four of those contests—unusual for an elite talent. Trevor Zegras appears to be an X-factor for Philadelphia's top line, with his offensive impact fluctuating throughout the season and crucial in matchups against strong opponents.
Pick Ideas
Avalanche Moneyline Despite Struggles
Colorado remains a -290 favorite despite recent inconsistency, with their elite goal differential and home-ice advantage (3-1-2 homestand record) providing sufficient edge against a struggling Flyers team.
Under on Total Goals
Ersson's poor form (2 wins in 12 games, .836 save percentage vs Utah) combined with Colorado's recent low-scoring trends (under 3 goals in last three games) suggests offensive production will be limited.
Avalanche First Period Advantage
Colorado has dominated early periods during their homestand and typically establishes pace against struggling Eastern Conference teams; targeting a first-period goal differential favors the Avalanche.