The Penguins Marcus Pettersson led off the game with a goal less than two minutes into the game, and that set the tone for a Penguins win over the Flyers. Unfortunately, the Penguins rebounded from a dispirited effort the night before to win this game 7-3.
Just 1:44 in to the first period, the Penguins got on board first as Marcus Pettersson made a great move as he back-handed a shot through Brian Elliott’s legs to help the Penguins take a 1-0 lead.
The Penguins got off to a sharp start in the second period as Jake Guentzel wristed a shot that blasted past Elliott for a power play goal to to give the Penguins a 2-0 lead. Later in the second period, the Penguins best player Sidney Crosby pushed a shot past Brian Elliot to put the Penguins up 3-0.
Just 8:21 in to the period, the Flyers finally got a goal as Justin Braun tallied his first goal of the season. He wristed a shot near the right face off circle in the back of the net to cut the Penguin lead to 3-1. Sean Couturier made it a one goal game with a snap shot that deflected off a skate and made it’s way through Tristan Jarry’s legs to make it 3-2 Penguins right before the period ended.
Can we talk about a huge hit by Shayne Gostisbehere for a moment. He is playing for a job next season, and that is quite evident with his play. Ghost also has a hearing later today for a cross check late in the game to former Flyer Mark Friedman. But my gosh what a hit!!!
Halfway through the last period, the Penguins took advantage of a Claude Giroux turnover to make it a two goal lead, as Jason Zucker lofted a soft wrist shot past Brian Elliott for the 4-2 lead. Travis Konecny threw a shot to the net with less than 10 minutes left that deflected off the Penguins’ Marino’s skate and into the net to cut the lead to one again at 4-3.
Less than two minutes later, Sidney Crosby whipped a shot from one knee that went upstairs past Elliott to to make it a two goal lead for the Penguins, 5-3. It appeared the life was sucked out of the Flyers with that goal as the Penguins locked things up as they got an empty net goal by Mark Friedman to put the Penguins up 6-3.
A minute later the Penguins scored again on a power play goal by John Marino make the final score 7-3. The Flyers are now 23-23-7 on the season.
Following the game Elliott started choking up as he talked about his family and his 500th career NHL game, “I mean to be able to play 500 games in this league is an accomplishment I’m really proud of,” Elliott said. “I tried to soak it in and just enjoy the moment. It’s not ideal the way it turned out. It’s kind of how the season was going a little bit. I’m really proud of the fact to be able to reach that milestone as a goalie. Really happy that my wife and kids were there watching. Really joyful for me.”
Elliott continued, “Nothing has come really that easy for me. You just have to work hard. Ever since getting drafted second to last overall, it really puts a burr in your saddle and you just want to prove to everybody you can do it. I’ve had a lot of help through the year. Starting with parents, family, my brother and then teammates, coaches, everybody has a role of getting you to a point where you can play 500 games in the NHL. I’m so thankful for everybody along the way. Wife and kids just make you keep pushing. Know that you’re playing for something bigger than yourself. I just want to thank everybody.”
NEXT UP: The Flyers are back in action in Washington D.C. against the 33-14-5 Capitals. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET and you can see the game on NBC Sports Philadelphia.
