The Philadelphia Flyers traveled to California for the first time this season, taking on the Anaheim Ducks in a matinee matchup at Honda Center. The Flyers, who had lost four of five games, got 32 saves from Samuel Ersson and a goal by Noah Cates for the fifth consecutive game.

But one key play during the game ent Flyers fans into a frenzy online. Former fifth-overall Flyers draft pick Cutter Gauthier, who was traded to the Ducks last season after requesting to be moved from Philadelphia, hooked potential Rookie of the Year candidate Matvei Michkov while attempting to retrieve the puck in the corner.

Understandably still unhappy with Gauthier's decision to spurn their franchise, Flyers fans let him have it on social media.

https://x.com/chi2phi/status/1873119328905925063

“I can’t tell if cutter thinks he’s too good to be on the flyers or if he was too scared to play on a strict team…” wrote @HockeymanDanX.

“Weak call but I'll take in on that loser,” wrote @don2020_bye.

“Quitter Gauthier. There, fixed it for you,” wrote @TiCyclist.

“Quitter Gauthier…. Bad at hockey,” exclaimed @ecks2733.

“He can't hang with him,” opined @North_Kariya_.

“Get this college merchant off my feed,” added @philly4for4_91.

Flyers fans are known for their passion, and Gauthier's trade request after initially being thought of as a key piece of the team's future is still lingering.

Article Continues Below
More Philadelphia Flyers News
Philadelphia Flyers right wing Tyson Foerster (71) screens Ottawa Senators goalie Anton Forsberg (31) in the second period at the Canadian Tire Centre.
Flyers lock up 25-goal scorer on 2-year contract extensionChristopher Hennessy ·
Jake Allen, NHL Free Agnecy, Free Agent, Devils
3 best Jake Allen destinations in 2025 NHL free agencyBryan Logan ·
Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet on the bench against the San Jose Sharks in the third period at Rogers Arena.
Flyers’ head coach Rick Tocchet breaks silence on returning to PhiladelphiaNate Duffett ·
Vancouver Canucks Rick Tocchet looks on in the first period against the Arizona Coyotes at Mullett Arena.
Flyers expected to announce Rick Tocchet as next head coachHayden Cilley ·
Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet gestures during a game against the Winnipeg Jets in the third period at Canada Life Centre.
NHL rumors: Flyers, Bruins, Kraken linked to former Canucks coachBenjamin Adducchio ·
Matvei Michkov and Travis Konecny on either side, a silhouetted Philadelphia Flyers player in middle, 3-5 question marks, hockey rink in background
3 early Flyers trade targets after 2025 playoff eliminationColin Gallant ·

Flyer coach John Tortorella fired right back at Cutter Gauthier before the game

Philadelphia Flyers right wing Matvei Michkov (39) skates with the puck in the third period against the Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre.
Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images

Gauthier would admit beforehand that it was a game he had circled on his calendar.

“Obviously, with all that happened, it's definitely been a game circled on my calendar, and I'm super excited to play,” he said. “It's been a lot of anticipation leading up to the game, so I'm ready to go out there and play my game.”

“I feel like all of it's just media, and all of it's noise. The more and more you listen to that, the more you get inside your own head and let it affect your play.”

But Flyers coach John Tortorella clearly wasn't interested in talking about it.

“I don't give a s**t what he says,” Tortorella answered. “I'm not interested in answering any questions about Cutter Gauthier. I don't wish anything bad on the kid. I'm not going to answer any questions on it.”

The Flyers will look to make it two wins in a row when they continue their California road trip with a game against the Los Angeles Kingson  Monday night.