Date Published: 1-2-2023
Photo Credit: FNG’s Rob Windfelder
This is the first time the Flyers have had a winning record on their holiday trip out west since 2014. This is a tradition that was begging to be broken, and this was a great time to break it. The team is just bouncing back from a string of injuries that had them struggling through October and November and is looking for a chance to turn things around.
The Flyers came at the Ducks straight out of the gate outshooting them 17-7 in the first period. Joel Farabee opened the scoring with a patient move drawing goalie John Gibson from left to right and waiting for the five-hole to open up just enough to slide the puck between the pads. Morgan Frost tallied the Flyers second goal with a shot from the top of the circle on a break-in which seemed to catch the Ducks and their goaltender by surprise. It was a solid 1st period for the Flyers who controlled the play, got what they needed from their goalie Sam Ersson, and went into the first intermission up two zip.
Red hot Travis Konecny scored his 19th goal of the season early in the 2nd on an assist from Kevin Hayes. Hayes found Konecny at the goal line with the net-minder out of position and a ton of net to shoot at, and T.K. just buried it. Things started to get a bit chippy after that with pushing, shoving, and some hearty checking scattered throughout the period. The Ducks took advantage of a few power play opportunities to throw some quality chances at Ersson who was totally up to the challenge.
Anaheim started the third with a lot of sloppy play in and around their own net. Down 3 goals they really needed to get something going offensively. Instead they Flyers kept them trapped in their own end scrambling and making poor decisions with the puck. Scott Laughton scored on a wrap-around from behind the net putting the game even further out of reach. The Ducks spent most of the final period looking resigned to the fact that this would not be their night. The Flyers on the other hand looked confident and in control at both ends of the ice, in fact they made this win look pretty easy. The Ducks spoiled Ersson’s chance for a shutout with just 40 seconds left in regulation. Final score: Flyers 4 Ducks 1.
Extra Credit: This was the Flyers third win in a row. Noah Cates had two assists on the night, as did Kevin Hayes. Sam Ersson stopped 28 of 29 Anaheim shots. This trip out West has certainly been a step in the right direction for the Orange and Black. Next game this Thursday 7PM at home against the Arizona Coyotes.
Prayers for Damar Hamlin
Regardless of the sport, this young 24-year-old in Hamlin can you use our prayers as he collapsed on the field during a football game against the Cincinnati Bengals last night. As many know he’s still being evaluated at the UC Medical Center in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Please keep Hamlin and his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
