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Grebenkin, Grundstrom lead Flyers to 5-2 win over Canucks

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Grebenkin, Grundstrom lead Flyers to 5-2 win over Canucks
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Grebenkin, Grundstrom lead Flyers to 5-2 win over Canucks

2025-12-23 11:44 Last Updated At:11:50

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Nikita Grebenkin had a goal and an assist, Carl Grundstrom also scored, and the Philadelphia Flyers beat the Vancouver Canucks 5-2 on Monday night.

Grebenkin and Grundstrom were part of a new look fourth line for Philadelphia, which has struggled to get much production from the unit for most of the season. Rodrigo Abols had two assists, giving the line five points.

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Vancouver Canucks' Max Sasson, right, scores past Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Dan Vladar, left, during the third period of an NHL hockey game, Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)

Vancouver Canucks' Max Sasson, right, scores past Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Dan Vladar, left, during the third period of an NHL hockey game, Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)

Philadelphia Flyers' Christian Dvorak, center, celebrates with teammates after his goal against Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko, right, during the third period of an NHL hockey game, Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)

Philadelphia Flyers' Christian Dvorak, center, celebrates with teammates after his goal against Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko, right, during the third period of an NHL hockey game, Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)

Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Dan Vladar, left, celebrates with Nick Seeler after a victory in an NHL hockey game against the Vancouver Canucks, Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)

Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Dan Vladar, left, celebrates with Nick Seeler after a victory in an NHL hockey game against the Vancouver Canucks, Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)

Vancouver Canucks' Conor Garland, center plays the puck past Philadelphia Flyers' Nick Seeler (24) and Carl Grundstrom (91) during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)

Vancouver Canucks' Conor Garland, center plays the puck past Philadelphia Flyers' Nick Seeler (24) and Carl Grundstrom (91) during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)

Philadelphia Flyers' Nikita Grebenkin, left, celebrates after scoring during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Vancouver Canucks, Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)

Philadelphia Flyers' Nikita Grebenkin, left, celebrates after scoring during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Vancouver Canucks, Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)

Christian Dvorak, Owen Tippett and Matvei Michkov all scored in the third period to help the Flyers snap a two-game skid and give coach Rick Tocchet a win in his first game against his former team. Tocchet coached the Canucks for 2 1./2 seasons before leaving and taking the job in Philadelphia in May.

Dan Vladar made 22 saves for the for his 13th win of the season.

Max Sasson and Drew O’Connor scored late goals for Vancouver and Thatcher Demko made 34 saves. The loss snapped a four-game winning streak for the Canucks and it was their first defeat since trading defenseman Quinn Hughes to Minnesota.

Grebenkin broke a scoreless tie by tipping a shot by Emil Andrae past Demko with 6:47 remaining in the second period.

Grundstrom scored for the fourth time in eight games since being recalled from Lehigh Valley in the AHL by knocking in the rebound of his own shot at 5:58 of the third period. Dvorak made it 3-0 at 7:49.

Sasson ended Vladar's shutout bid with 6:55 remaining, before Tippett restored the Flyers' three-goal lead 2 1/2 minutes later. Michkov's empty-netter with 1:11 to go ended his 10-game goal-scoring drought and made it 5-1.

Canucks: Host San Jose on Saturday.

Philadelphia: At Chicago on Tuesday.

AP NHL: https://www.apnews.com/NHL

Vancouver Canucks' Max Sasson, right, scores past Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Dan Vladar, left, during the third period of an NHL hockey game, Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)

Vancouver Canucks' Max Sasson, right, scores past Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Dan Vladar, left, during the third period of an NHL hockey game, Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)

Philadelphia Flyers' Christian Dvorak, center, celebrates with teammates after his goal against Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko, right, during the third period of an NHL hockey game, Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)

Philadelphia Flyers' Christian Dvorak, center, celebrates with teammates after his goal against Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko, right, during the third period of an NHL hockey game, Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)

Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Dan Vladar, left, celebrates with Nick Seeler after a victory in an NHL hockey game against the Vancouver Canucks, Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)

Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Dan Vladar, left, celebrates with Nick Seeler after a victory in an NHL hockey game against the Vancouver Canucks, Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)

Vancouver Canucks' Conor Garland, center plays the puck past Philadelphia Flyers' Nick Seeler (24) and Carl Grundstrom (91) during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)

Vancouver Canucks' Conor Garland, center plays the puck past Philadelphia Flyers' Nick Seeler (24) and Carl Grundstrom (91) during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)

Philadelphia Flyers' Nikita Grebenkin, left, celebrates after scoring during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Vancouver Canucks, Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)

Philadelphia Flyers' Nikita Grebenkin, left, celebrates after scoring during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Vancouver Canucks, Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)

Photo highlights from the 16th week of the NFL season.

This gallery was curated by AP photo editors.

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

AP photography: https://apnews.com/photography

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (14) catches a touchdown pass against San Francisco 49ers safety Ji'Ayir Brown during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (14) catches a touchdown pass against San Francisco 49ers safety Ji'Ayir Brown during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers (4) is tackled by New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez, left, and safety Jaylinn Hawkins, bottom, during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers (4) is tackled by New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez, left, and safety Jaylinn Hawkins, bottom, during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Pittsburgh Steelers' Aaron Rodgers (8) tries to get past Detroit Lions' Thomas Harper (12) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Rey Del Rio)

Pittsburgh Steelers' Aaron Rodgers (8) tries to get past Detroit Lions' Thomas Harper (12) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Rey Del Rio)

Denver Broncos defensive tackle D.J. Jones, top, takes down Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) during the first half of an NFL football game in Denver, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

Denver Broncos defensive tackle D.J. Jones, top, takes down Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) during the first half of an NFL football game in Denver, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

Pittsburgh Steelers' Joey Porter Jr. (24) reacts after breaking up a pass for Detroit Lions' Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) in the endzone during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Rey Del Rio)

Pittsburgh Steelers' Joey Porter Jr. (24) reacts after breaking up a pass for Detroit Lions' Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) in the endzone during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Rey Del Rio)

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) tries to get past Los Angeles Rams safety Kamren Kinchens, right, cornerback Cobie Durant (14) during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) tries to get past Los Angeles Rams safety Kamren Kinchens, right, cornerback Cobie Durant (14) during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., left, returns an interception thrown by Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)

Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., left, returns an interception thrown by Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson (14) scores a touchdown against Atlanta Falcons cornerback Cobee Bryant (37) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson (14) scores a touchdown against Atlanta Falcons cornerback Cobee Bryant (37) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Chicago Bears' DJ Moore catches a touchdown pass with Green Bay Packers' Keisean Nixon defending diring overtime an NFL football game Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Chicago Bears' DJ Moore catches a touchdown pass with Green Bay Packers' Keisean Nixon defending diring overtime an NFL football game Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Philadelphia Eagles running back Will Shipley runs against the Washington Commanders during the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Philadelphia Eagles running back Will Shipley runs against the Washington Commanders during the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

New York Jets guard Joe Tippmann (66) celebrates after a field goal during the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Ella Hall)

New York Jets guard Joe Tippmann (66) celebrates after a field goal during the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Ella Hall)

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Joe Milton (10) fumbles as he is tackled by Los Angeles Chargers free safety Derwin James (3) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Joe Milton (10) fumbles as he is tackled by Los Angeles Chargers free safety Derwin James (3) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

A New Orleans Saints fan yells during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Ella Hall)

A New Orleans Saints fan yells during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Ella Hall)

Carolina Panthers tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders leaps over Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Benjamin Morrison during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Erik Verduzco)

Carolina Panthers tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders leaps over Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Benjamin Morrison during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Erik Verduzco)

Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown (30) breaks a tackle by Miami Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks (20) for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown (30) breaks a tackle by Miami Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks (20) for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook III celebrates his touchdown against the Cleveland Browns during the first half of an NFL football game in Cleveland, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook III celebrates his touchdown against the Cleveland Browns during the first half of an NFL football game in Cleveland, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

A Miami Dolphins fans shows his displeasure during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

A Miami Dolphins fans shows his displeasure during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

New York Jets running back Breece Hall pauses before an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Ella Hall)

New York Jets running back Breece Hall pauses before an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Ella Hall)

Kansas City Chiefs place-kicker Harrison Butker (7) celebrates with punter Matt Araiza (14) after kicking a field goal during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/John Amis)

Kansas City Chiefs place-kicker Harrison Butker (7) celebrates with punter Matt Araiza (14) after kicking a field goal during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/John Amis)

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (15) makes a touchdown catch during the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (15) makes a touchdown catch during the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans catches a touchdown pass against Carolina Panthers cornerback Mike Jackson during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans catches a touchdown pass against Carolina Panthers cornerback Mike Jackson during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)

New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) passes under pressure against the Minnesota Vikings during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) passes under pressure against the Minnesota Vikings during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh watches from the sideline during the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh watches from the sideline during the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders eludes the tackle of Buffalo Bills defensive end AJ Epenesa (57)during the first half of an NFL football game in Cleveland, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders eludes the tackle of Buffalo Bills defensive end AJ Epenesa (57)during the first half of an NFL football game in Cleveland, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (10) is tackled by Tennessee Titans cornerback Kemon Hall (40) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (10) is tackled by Tennessee Titans cornerback Kemon Hall (40) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield is sacked by Carolina Panthers linebacker Christian Rozeboom during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Erik Verduzco)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield is sacked by Carolina Panthers linebacker Christian Rozeboom during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Erik Verduzco)

Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (98) celebrates after tackling Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt for a safety during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/John Amis)

Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (98) celebrates after tackling Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt for a safety during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/John Amis)

Los Angeles Chargers free safety Derwin James (3) talks to his son Derwin James Jr. before an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Los Angeles Chargers free safety Derwin James (3) talks to his son Derwin James Jr. before an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Carolina Panthers safety Lathan Ransom celebrates after their win in an NFL football game between the Carolina Panthers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)

Carolina Panthers safety Lathan Ransom celebrates after their win in an NFL football game between the Carolina Panthers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)

Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle runs onto the field before an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Erik Verduzco)

Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle runs onto the field before an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Erik Verduzco)

New Orleans Saints cornerback Alontae Taylor (1) celebrates with cornerback Quincy Riley (29) after a sack during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

New Orleans Saints cornerback Alontae Taylor (1) celebrates with cornerback Quincy Riley (29) after a sack during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

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