140 Days Later The Flyers Come Back And Smash The Penguins Behind Konecny, Hayes, And Laughton

140 days since the last Flyers game was played, the Flyers returned to smash the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-2 in overtime. A lot of credit has to be given to Alain Vigneault and his experienced coaching staff, as well as Carter Hart and team defense.

Vigneault preached a 5 man defensive unit the day he was hired. After today’s exhibition game, he made true to that promise. The Flyers played well defensively in the second and third periods of play in particular. They limited the Penguins to just 15 shots in the second and third periods combined, but the Flyers team defense limited prime scoring chances, as well. The Flyers held Sidney Crosby shotless. That’s quite impressive. Carter Hart and Brian Elliott both played well, and “The Moose” really held the team together when they lost their legs in the third period. Just look how hockey is fun again in Philly:

Flyers Scoring:

Couturier (1)- Giroux, Provorov

Hayes (1)- Unassisted

Laughton (1)- Konecny

What more could fans ask for in this tilt. The Flyers and Pens had to shake off the rust, and get prepared for the grueling playoff run that lies ahead. The fans of Philadelphia and abroad can smell a Cup coming soon, and rightfully so. This Flyers are loaded with depth up and down the lineup. Yegor Zamula and Mark Friedman played well. Zamula broke up a classic one-on-one in the first by taking out the body. He just looks like a veteran out there. Friedman as usual doesn’t make mistakes, and he appears to be trusted by Vigneault in different types of situations. Ivan Provorov looked like a 10-year veteran today. He is just so good at transitioning from defense to offense.

Couturier was phenomenal. Fresh off of being a new dad it appeared not to slow him down one bit. He was classic tough to take off the puck, always in the right spot, and appeared to show the world why he should win the Selke.

Konecny hit everything that moved, and Kevin Hayes completely undressed Matt Murray in the first period on a beautiful goal, assisted by Evgeni Malkin after a brutal turn over. Laughton sent the Flyers home happy.

Coots uses his new dad powers to deflect a shot off a Pens defender and passed Matt Murray on a delayed penalty. #Flyers tie it up 1-1!#FlyersTalk #PITvsPHI pic.twitter.com/RfGqJVwNkq

— FlyersNittyGritty (@FlyersKnitty) July 28, 2020

Coots uses his new dad powers to deflect a shot off a Pens defender and passed Matt Murray on a delayed penalty. #Flyers tie it up 1-1!#FlyersTalk #PITvsPHI pic.twitter.com/RfGqJVwNkq

— FlyersNittyGritty (@FlyersKnitty) July 28, 2020

TK is hitting everything that moves. He had an extremely good first period.

— Jamey Baskow (@JameyBaskow) July 28, 2020

I just want to add. After the first period. You could clearly see why Coots should win the Selke. Thank you @NHLFlyers

— Jamey Baskow (@JameyBaskow) July 28, 2020

TK with just sick skill. Laughtonnnnnnnnn with the winner

📽️: @rickybrown https://t.co/jfrXIM0TgW

— Jamey Baskow (@JameyBaskow) July 28, 2020

Kevin Hayes

“I guessed at the right time, and picked it off.” On his goal after a gaffe by Malkin.

Hayes on the PK: “I thought it went well, and did a good job at limiting chances.”

Sean Couturier

Coots on the game: “It was different, not a lot of craziness going on. I think it was because it was an exhibition game, not because of no fans.”

Coots on standing in solidarity with the Pens:

“We talked about equality, racism, and solidarity before the game. It shows we respect each other, and life in general.”

Hayes and Coots said “The pace was good.”

Alain Vigneault:

“I really liked our first period. Made some high energy plays with the puck.

“I see the ice getting better.”

AV on Ghost:

“I liked Ghost’s game, and tried to make some plays with the puck. Made some good plays, but there are some battles before the 11th.”

AV on standing in solidarity:

“Our players and coaches just wanted to show support.”