Every single one of these decisive losses is just a chapter in a much longer storyline. There are plenty of people that just shut the TV off when the going gets tough without getting to see who gets going. Things are really, really bad right now. You hope it’s the low point. The fact of the matter is this may not be rock bottom just yet. It all depends on when this group of players, as a team, can figure their way out of this deep dive.
Philly vs Pittsburgh
In the absence of Dan Vladar Samuel Ersson got the start tonight against the Penguins in Pittsburgh. Aleksei Kolosov has been recalled and was in town in time to take a spot on the bench as backup. The Flyers now without their top goaltender are facing an even greater uphill battle.
Special Teams
The Flyers are very well aware of the troubles their special teams have been experiencing so you would think they would avoid spending time in the box.
That being said the Flyers took a penalty and gave up a power-play goal 2:18 into this match. They left Justin Brazeau all alone in front of the net all day long until someone finally sent him a puck to tap in.
The Penguins scored again on their 3rd power play of the game 7:35 into the 1st period. Bryan Rust went high glove from the circle.
The Flyers 3 for 31 power-play did manage to get some pucks on net during their 2nd man advantage. Nothing too tricky or dangerous but shots on goal just the same.
The Flyers looked tentative and indecisive throughout the opening period. The were hanging onto pucks just long enough for every possible option to close up. It ain’t easy breaking out of a tail spin. The team is collectively playing without confidence, poise, or swagger. Too much thinking, no flow, it’s not an easy mentality to break out of.
2nd Period
Pittsburgh was not exactly being helpful to the Flyers cause. Egor Chinakhov made it 3-0 just 1:16 into the 2nd period. He just cruised into the Flyers zone and fired a wrist shot that beat Samuel Ersson short side.
During this current slide Ersson looks like he is relying totally on his positioning and not reacting to the actual shots. He shows up in the right spot but his arms are limp by his sides as the pucks fly by. Maybe his glove goes up after the fact, maybe it doesn’t. It’s been a really rough stretch. The timing on just about everything is quite unfortunate.
That early goal really shook things up. The Flyers scored their 1st goal of the night just 1:01 after the Penguins 3rd goal.
Cam York fired a slapper from the top of the slot that was directed past Stuart Skinner by Rodrigo Abols.
Odd Timing
Rick Tocchet chose that exact moment to pull Ersson from the net and replace him with Kolosov. It’s impossible to say weather the goal or the goalie change sparked the Flyers but something did. They tightened things up and started creating some good chances.
Kolosov was a solid improvement in the Flyers net until a fluke Noel Acciari rebound popped up and over him to give the Penguins a 4-1 lead with just 1:31 left in the 2nd period. Again the timing totally stunk. The Flyers played a strong period only to get stung at the final moments.
This was the 3rd time in as many games that the Flyers went into the second intermission facing a considerable deficit.
What do you say at that point?
They had twenty minutes to pull off a major comeback and avoid a 5th straight loss. You gotta feel for this team at this point. They had a surprisingly successful start to their season. Up until the past week things were rolling along just fine. It’s rapidly sliding away from them. Where do you start?
It’s not an inspiration issue. Up until last night they were sitting in the final wild card position. Tonight they were facing a division rival who was tied with them in the standings at 52 points. This was a huge game against a team they have beaten before.
How far can you break it down? One game at a time. One period at a time. One shift at a time. One battle at a time. You have to figure at this point everything that can be said has been said. It’s a tough spot to be in and no one’s enjoying it.
3rd Period
The Flyers started the final twenty with some good pressure in the Penguins zone. Skinner came up with saves he needed to make.
Blake Lizotte leveled Denver Barkey with a clean hit at center ice. None other than Matvei Michkov jumped in and dropped the gloves in retribution. Michkov picked up the extra two minutes for instigation. Pittsburgh scored their 3rd power-play goal of the night. Crosby with the dunk wide open at the side of the net. 5-1
The Penguins scored again 1:17 later. The Pens were getting away with cross slot passes and following up with the finish. Connor Dewar from Novak. 6-1
At this point any momentum from the Flyers strong 2nd period had clearly washed away. Risky play in their defensive zone. Turnovers. Energy leaking and time refusing to run out.
Signs of life
With 9:06 left it was Denver Barkey to Nick Seeler who fired a beautiful top shelf glove side shot that caught the top corner of the net. 6-2
The Flyers picked up back to back man advantages. They managed one shot on goal during the first and two on the second.
Denver Barkey set up Matvei Michkov on a two on one rush with 2:35 remaining. Michkov beat Skinner glove side. It was a much needed goal for Michkov. 6-3 Final.
Extra Credit: Barkey was pushing things along nicely in the 3rd period picking up two assists. Owen Tippett looked good all night long. Michkov showed dedication by dropping the gloves, standing up for his team mate, then following it up with a goal. He pulled of two-thirds of a Gordie Howe hattrick in the 3rd period.
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