145 days since the last Flyers meaningful hockey game was played (Not to include the exhibition game against the Pittsburgh Penguins), the Flyers returned to can the Boston Bruins 4-1. A lot of credit has to be given to Alain Vigneault and his experienced coaching staff, as well as Carter Hart and team defense.
Vigneault preached a 5 man defensive unit the day he was hired. After the first round robin game, he made true to that promise. The Flyers played well defensively in the second and third periods of play in particular. They limited the Bruins to just 14 shots in the second and third periods combined, but the Flyers team defense limited prime scoring chances, as well. The Flyers did a great job at handling the stars of David Pastrnak, Patrice Bergeron, and Brad Marchand. This young defense was quite impressive. Carter Hart played well, kept a team in it until they could find their legs in the second period. Just look how hockey is fun again in Philly:
Flyers Scoring:
Raffl (1)- Sanheim
Thompson (1)- Raffl, Provorov
Myers (1)- Voracek
Laughton (1)- Hayes
What more could fans ask for in this tilt. The Flyers and Bruins had to shake off the rust, and get prepared for the grueling playoff run that lies ahead. The fans of Philadelphia and abroad can smell a Cup coming soon, and rightfully so. This Flyers are loaded with depth up and down the lineup. Ivan Provorov and Matt Niskanen played well. Provorov broke up a classic one-on-one in the first by taking out the body, and he looked like a 10-year veteran. He is just so good at transitioning from defense to offense. Niskanen as usual doesn’t make mistakes, and Robert Hagg appears to be trusted by Vigneault in different types of situations.
Philippe Myers and Travis Sanheim were phenomenal today. They accounted for two of the Flyers four goals, and just had the jump in their skates. They played well defensively, and it lead to great offense. Myers answered the bell in what would be his first playoff intense hockey game. He showed off his shot from the point, and his nasty wrist shot.
Nicolas Aube-Kubel hit everything that moved, and a great second line in Laughton-Hayes-TK play very well today. Especially, in the third period. All in all, this game proved that the Flyers are ready to rock and roll, and are worthy of being noticed. Raffl here to go off early in the boards in the third period, and he limped off into the dressing room. Let’s hope he’s ok, as he has been an excellent penalty-killer, and provided a big goal earlier today.
Carter Hart absolutely phenomenal. He told me yesterday that playing for Team Canada would help him throughout the playoffs, and he was absolutely right. If it wasn’t for Hart in the first period they could have easily have been down 5-0. Hart answered the bell, and this should give Philly fans a lot of confidence moving forward. Hart also became the youngest goaltender in Flyers history to win a postseason game. This feat was previously held by Pete Peeters.
Lastly, the Flyers Penalty Kill was phenomenal once again. The Bruins finished the game 0-3 on the Power Play, and really couldn’t generate much offensively from the man advantage. This appeared to give the Flyers life, and some jump in their skates.
Nate Thompson
“He doesn’t look 21 to me” Nate Thompson on Carter Hart
“I’m always a guy that sticks up for his teammate, and everyone in this room would stick up for him.”
Alain Vigneault
“Seemed like a slew foot on Raffy.”
Alain Vigneault was overall very pleased with the success at this young defense had with Brad Marchand, David Pastrnak and Patrice Bergeron. History of a scoreless, really wasn’t a factor in today’s game. Pretty impressive for a young defense
Carter Hart
“Our fourth line was flying.”
Philippe Myers
“Hartsy shut the door for us, good team win.”
