The Philadelphia Flyers lost a close one in Game 2 against the Carolina Hurricanes. The Flyers were quick to go up 2-0 in the first period courtesy of Jamie Drysdale and Sean Couturier, but unfortunately, it was not enough as they fell 3-2 in overtime.
The Carolina Hurricanes showed once again why they are the team to beat in the Eastern Conference. Although the Flyers were without their leading goal-scorer, Owen Tippett, for Games 1 and 2 due to an undisclosed injury, they did not look out of place against the Hurricanes in Game 2. The Flyers stood right there with them all game long and made them earn every inch of ice. If Owen Tippett returns for Game 3, it would provide a much-needed boost to a Flyers offense that struggled to score in Raleigh.
The Flyers now return home to Xfinity Mobile Arena with a 2-0 series deficit, which makes Game 3 a must-win. Statistically speaking, falling into a 3-0 hole is a graveyard; only four teams in the history of the NHL have been able to come back from such a deficit (one of which was the Flyers in 2010 against the Boston Bruins). To avoid needing a miracle, the Flyers must take care of business on home ice tomorrow night.
The Flyers proved they can skate with the Hurricanes and they proved they can score on Andersen. Now they have to prove they can win, and they have a great opportunity to do so at home.
One of the bright spots in Game 2 for the Flyers was their penalty kill. It continues to be spectacular, allowing only one goal on seven Carolina power plays. On the other hand, the Flyers’ own power play continues to struggle, going only 1-for-7 in their attempts. Luckily for them, the Hurricanes have had power play struggles of their own this postseason, going only 1-for-6, though their penalty kill remains stellar as well.
The atmosphere in Xfinity Mobile Arena during the first round against the Penguins was described by many as “electric.” The Flyers need to bottle that energy up and bring it all out onto the ice for Game 3.
Dan Vladar has been nothing short of spectacular in both the regular season and now the playoffs, stopping 40 of 43 shots in Game 2. If he is in the blue paint, the Flyers have a chance. During these playoffs, he has posted a 1.89 Goals Against Average and a .928 save percentage across eight games played.
Head Coach Rick Tocchet announced today that the Flyers will be without Noah Cates for the remainder of the series against the Hurricanes due to an undisclosed lower-body injury. This is a significant blow, as Cates was a steady presence centering the third line with Tyson Foerster and Matvei Michkov. Following this news, the Flyers recalled Jett Luchanko from the Brantford Bulldogs of the OHL.
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