Edmonton Oilers vs Philadelphia Flyers Preview for November 12, 2025

The Edmonton Oilers and Philadelphia Flyers meet on Tuesday, November 12, 2025, at Xfinity Mobile Arena in what promises to be a compelling matchup between two teams navigating different trajectories this season. The Flyers, enjoying a strong 8-5-2 record, will look to capitalize on their home-ice advantage where they’ve posted a 6-3-1 mark. Meanwhile, the Oilers enter Philadelphia with a 7-6-4 record and a concerning 2-5-2 road record, searching for answers away from Rogers Place. With puck drop scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET, both teams have significant lineup questions that will shape the strategic approach to this divisional clash.

The game carries added significance as the Flyers welcome back key players while the Oilers continue to manage a lengthy injury list that has hampered their consistency. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl will once again be asked to carry the offensive load for Edmonton, while Philadelphia’s depth and home-ice momentum present a formidable challenge for Kris Knoblauch’s squad.

Edmonton Oilers projected lineup for November 12, 2025 matchup

The Oilers will roll with a forward group that features some notable changes to their top lines as they deal with significant injuries. Andrew Mangiapane will skate alongside Connor McDavid on the first line, with Matt Savoie completing the trio. This configuration continues from recent games, with Savoie earning extended opportunities on the top unit following his strong play. The second line features Vasily Podkolzin centering Leon Draisaitl and Jack Roslovic, a combination that gives Edmonton another scoring threat.

The third line will consist of Isaac Howard, Adam Henrique, and Trent Frederic, providing a mix of youth and experience. Mattias Janmark, Noah Philp, and Curtis Lazar round out the fourth line, giving Edmonton a checking unit capable of shutting down opponents’ bottom-six forwards. The absence of Ryan Nugent-Hopkins due to an undisclosed injury creates a significant hole in the Oilers’ forward depth, removing one of their most reliable two-way players from the lineup.

On the blue line, Mattias Ekholm and Evan Bouchard anchor the top pairing, combining defensive reliability with offensive production. Darnell Nurse will pair with Jake Walman on the second defensive duo, while Brett Kulak and Ty Emberson complete the third pairing. This defensive structure has shown both promise and vulnerability throughout the early season, with the Oilers’ road struggles often tied to defensive breakdowns.

Between the pipes, Stuart Skinner is expected to get the start after sharing duties with Calvin Pickard. Skinner’s performance will be crucial for Edmonton’s chances, especially given the Flyers’ offensive capabilities. The Oilers will also be without Zach Hyman, who continues to recover from a wrist injury sustained in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, though head coach Kris Knoblauch indicated Hyman could return as early as Thursday against Columbus. Kasperi Kapanen remains sidelined with a knee injury, further depleting Edmonton’s forward depth.

Philadelphia Flyers projected lineup heading into Oilers battle

The Flyers enter this contest with encouraging lineup news as Tyson Foerster appears set to return after missing four games with a lower-body injury suffered while blocking a shot against Toronto on November 1. According to head coach Rick Tocchet, Foerster participated in the optional morning skate and is listed as a game-time decision, though the coach expressed optimism about his availability. His return would provide a significant boost to Philadelphia’s middle-six forward group.

The Ottawa Senators vs Philadelphia Flyers projected lineup from November 8 featured several key players who have continued to perform well heading into this matchup. Trevor Zegras will center Sean Couturier and Matvei Michkov on the top line, forming a dangerous combination of playmaking ability and finishing skill. The second line features Owen Tippett, Christian Dvorak, and Travis Konecny, giving the Flyers another potent scoring threat. With Foerster’s expected return, he’ll reunite with Noah Cates and Bobby Brink on the third line, reforming a unit that showed strong chemistry earlier this season.

The fourth line configuration remains fluid, with Nick Deslauriers potentially returning to the lineup alongside Rodrigo Abols and Garnet Hathaway. Deslauriers left the morning skate early, while Nikita Grebenkin spent extended time on the ice with the scratches, suggesting a lineup change. Carl Grundstrom could also factor into the equation if Foerster is unable to go, providing additional depth and physicality.

Philadelphia’s defensive corps will be led by the top pairing of Cam York and Travis Sanheim, who have formed one of the more effective duos in the league this season. Nick Seeler will partner with Jamie Drysdale on the second pairing, while Emil Andrae and Noah Juulsen complete the third defensive unit. The Flyers have been particularly effective at limiting high-danger chances, keeping opponents to the perimeter and out of scoring areas.

Dan Vladar gets the nod in goal for his tenth start of the season, with Samuel Ersson serving as backup. Vladar has provided solid goaltending for Philadelphia this season, and his presence between the pipes gives the Flyers confidence heading into a matchup against two of the game’s elite offensive players. The team will be without Rasmus Ristolainen, who continues to recover from a triceps injury.

Key matchups and strategic considerations for the November 12 encounter

The most intriguing aspect of this game will be how Rick Tocchet deploys his defensive matchups against Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Expect Noah Cates’ ice time to shadow McDavid’s shifts, with the young center tasked with neutralizing the Oilers’ captain. Similarly, Sean Couturier may find himself matched against Draisaitl for extended periods, leveraging his Selke Trophy-caliber defensive abilities to limit Edmonton’s top offensive threat.

Philadelphia’s special teams will play a crucial role in determining the outcome. The Flyers have shown improvement on both the power play and penalty kill this season, and their ability to win the special teams battle could prove decisive. The projected power play units feature an intriguing mix of personnel, with the first unit deploying Jamie Drysdale, Noah Cates, Trevor Zegras, Tyson Foerster, and Bobby Brink. The second unit counters with Cam York, Sean Couturier, Travis Konecny, Owen Tippett, and Matvei Michkov, giving Philadelphia two dangerous options with the man advantage.

The Oilers’ injury situation creates both challenges and opportunities. While the absence of Nugent-Hopkins and Hyman removes two critical components from their lineup, it also provides younger players like Matt Savoie and Isaac Howard with increased responsibilities. Similar situations have been addressed in recent Flames vs Flyers projected lineups, where teams dealing with injuries often discover hidden gems within their systems.

For Edmonton, generating consistent pressure against Philadelphia’s structured defense will be paramount. The Flyers have excelled at limiting high-danger chances, forcing opponents to settle for shots from the perimeter. McDavid and Draisaitl will need to use their elite playmaking abilities to create quality opportunities rather than relying on volume shooting. The supporting cast, particularly the third line of Howard, Henrique, and Frederic, must also contribute offensively to prevent Philadelphia from focusing all their defensive attention on the top two lines.

Recent history between Edmonton and Philadelphia

These two teams split their season series in 2024-25, with each game showcasing different narratives. The first meeting in Edmonton saw Matvei Michkov announce his arrival to the NHL with his first two career goals, both coming on the power play in the opening period. Bobby Brink added a late second-period marker to give Philadelphia a lead, but the Oilers rallied with Evan Bouchard tying the game late in regulation before Leon Draisaitl sealed the overtime victory.

The rematch in Philadelphia demonstrated the Flyers’ offensive capabilities and home-ice dominance. Michkov continued his torrid play against Edmonton, scoring early before the teams traded goals. Owen Tippett registered two goals in that contest, while Sean Couturier, Andrei Kuzmenko, and Rasmus Ristolainen also found the net in a convincing 6-3 Flyers victory. Michkov finished the season series with five points against Edmonton, including three goals and two assists, establishing himself as a player who elevates his game against elite competition.

Draisaitl led the Oilers in scoring against Philadelphia last season with four points on two goals and two assists, continuing his pattern of strong performances against Eastern Conference opponents. The historical context suggests that special teams and secondary scoring could again determine the outcome, as both games featured significant power play production and contributions from depth players.

Impact players and difference-makers in Tuesday’s battle

Connor McDavid remains the most dynamic player in hockey, capable of single-handedly changing the complexion of a game. His ability to create space, generate scoring chances, and elevate his linemates makes him a constant threat. Playing alongside Andrew Mangiapane and Matt Savoie gives McDavid different looks than he’s accustomed to with his usual linemates, but his adaptability and hockey IQ allow him to succeed with virtually any combination. According to NHL.com’s official game preview, the Oilers are counting on their captain to lead by example as they try to improve their woeful road record.

For the Flyers, Matvei Michkov has emerged as a legitimate star in his rookie campaign. His five points in two games against Edmonton last season weren’t a fluke—they represented the beginning of what’s becoming a consistently excellent season. Michkov’s combination of skill, hockey sense, and competitiveness makes him dangerous every time he touches the puck. His chemistry with Trevor Zegras and Sean Couturier on the top line gives Philadelphia a unit capable of matching Edmonton’s elite forwards in terms of offensive production.

Travis Konecny’s two-way excellence provides another dimension for the Flyers. His ability to contribute at both ends of the ice, kill penalties, and generate offense makes him invaluable in a game like this. Expect Konecny to see heavy minutes in all situations as Tocchet leans on his veteran presence to set the tone. The return of Tyson Foerster would also significantly impact the game, as his shooting ability and net-front presence give the Flyers another finishing option.

On the defensive side, Evan Bouchard’s offensive contributions from the back end give Edmonton an additional weapon on the power play and in transition. His partnership with Mattias Ekholm provides the Oilers with a reliable shutdown pairing that can handle difficult assignments. For Philadelphia, the Cam York and Travis Sanheim duo has been exceptional, combining mobility, defensive responsibility, and puck-moving ability. Their performance against McDavid and Draisaitl could ultimately decide the game’s outcome.

As both teams take the ice on November 12, the Flyers’ comprehensive approach detailed by Philly Hockey Now emphasizes the importance of keeping Edmonton’s stars to the perimeter and winning the special teams battle. With home ice, better health, and momentum on their side, Philadelphia enters as a slight favorite. However, the Oilers possess the most dangerous player in the sport, and when McDavid is on the ice, Edmonton always has a chance. This matchup between the struggling road warriors and the confident home team sets the stage for an entertaining evening of hockey that could have significant implications for both teams’ confidence and positioning as the season progresses toward the quarter mark.