Date Published: 12-16-2022
Photo Credit: Shaylah Rice
Carter Hart….Carter freaking Hart, just what unbelievable game he played in the 2-1 Flyers victory over the Devils. He tied his career high with 48 saves, but it’s how he made these 10 bell saves that was special.
Hart had left-handed glove larceny over a young budding superstar in Jack Hughes in the third period, and he also followed that up with another left-handed grab soon thereafter. He was tracking the puck well, and moving post to post well.
When Hart is on his game he doesn’t leave many rebounds. Last night was a clear evidence of that. He kept his team in it, and Scott Laughton tied the game at one a piece in the second period. Some criticized Hart after the loss to the Arizona Coyotes this past Sunday night, however, he will have his bad games and they will continue to occur. But, there is more good than bad, and he is a player that you want to center your rebuild around.
“I liked his demeanor throughout the game. It was one of the better games I’ve seen him play,” John Tortorella said following the game. While Scott Laughton said, “He was big for us today.”
Travis Konecny eventually scored the game winner late in the third period, and it just so happened to be his 19th game winning goal of his career. In addition, Noah Cates played well offensively and defensively, he continues to be trusted by John Tortorella late in periods with the game on the line. He uses his active stick to break up plays, and Cates is just a smart hockey player.
Rasmus Ristolainen continues to excel. He has played well the last 5-7 games. Last night he had a crucial blocked shot with under a minute remaining that secured the Flyers 2-1 victory over the Devils.
Extra Credit:
Kevin Hayes was benched in the third period of play last night. He did not see a single shift in the third. Tortorella did say it was his call not to play him in the third. Hayes had a terrible turnover midway through the second period that led to a 2-on-1 rush, and I did notice Tortorella shaking his head in disbelief shortly thereafter over the gaffe.
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Tortorella shortened the bench in third, and Olle Lycksell whom was recalled from the Lehigh Valley Phantoms for this tilt really did not see much ice time in the third, as well.
