Date Published: 1-17-2023
Most Flyers fans that watched the Bruins pour in one, two, three goals yesterday afternoon, eventually started taking down their Christmas decorations and ran some errands as the orange and black were getting shellacked. When they finally tuned back into the game it was 5-0 Bruins, and then 6-0. Most fans tuned back in with the hopes of another Flyers come back. This 2022-23 team never gives up, that is their DNA or identity for that matter.
The Flyers were one of the hottest teams in the NHL headed into the game against the Bruins, yes the entire NHL as they are now 7-2 in their last nine games. It’s really remarkable that they still sit six points out of the last wild card spot currently held by the New York Islanders, especially after enduring another 10 plus losing streak. The way this team has rallied behind each other is something special. They are really building a unique culture, and it’s a breath of fresh air in Philadelphia for once.
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They did get pummeled by the Bruins, but the Bruins have far more talent. This was a good measuring stick to see how they shape up against superior teams. It has become apparent they need work against superior teams. They tried hard yesterday, but Jeremy Swayman notched his first shutout since February 2022.
After researching through stats this past weekend, the Flyers are tied for first in the NHL in wins since December 29, 2022, and are tied for third in goals, as well. The Flyers have scored first in three straight games and in four of their last six games. They are also tied for first in the NHL with four wins when scoring first since January 2, 2023. The orange and black also are tied for first in the league with 11 wins when trailing first in a game this season. Not to mention they are 13-0-1 on the season when they are ahead after the second period.
One loss does not change the fact that this is a fun team to watch again. These type of losses happen, it’s a long NHL season. This team is completely night and day from the past few years. Coming from behind is part of their identity or DNA this season. If the Flyers would have trailed by two or more goals in 2021-22 the team would have crumbled and the flood gates would have opened. Not this team though, they fight and claw their way back in it. It’s called the Torts effect.
Flyers Head Coach John Tortorella just wants them to play hard and compete, even after a blowout loss he has the right perspective:
“I’m not evaluating goalies after a 6-0 loss. It’s a team game. How we answer tomorrow night. That’s all I’m thinking about.” – John Tortorella
Tortorella will admit when they play well, but he just wants to see effort. If the Flyers want to continue to win or prove to their fans that they are indeed a different team this year, then they need to continue with fast starts.
