Photo Credit: FNG’s Rob Windfelder
The Philadelphia Flyers got back to action in Seattle on Sunday night as the NHL holiday break has officially come to an end. The annual post-Christmas swing out West for the Flyers has been a tradition that sometimes goes over like a tin full of fruitcake. Let’s just say some people enjoy it but it’s not for everybody.
Aside from the late night games, in years past it has turned out to be a momentum killer for the Orange and Black. The Flyers were on a roll going into the break, moving up in the Metro, and giving people a reason to start paying attention. You would hate to see this trip turn into a bump in that road.
Philly vs Seattle
The Flyers looked fresh in the first period. Moving the puck well and drawing a couple penalties with the persistant hustle and hard work.
The Flyers first power-play looked nothing like what we’ve become accustomed to seeing as of late. They registered five shots on goal. their passing was sharp, and they were aggressively getting pucks to the net.
Denver Barkey was back in the lineup tonight after leaving the final game before the break due to injury. It was his speed and determination that led to the Flyers second man advantage. Again the power-play was creating chances but to no avail due to the outstanding play of Seattle goaltender Philipp Grubauer.
Dan Vladar got the start in the Flyers net and he was on point and nailing it down just as you would expect him to. Although the final score was 4-1 Vladar was only in the net for two of the Kraken goals.
Seattle opened up the scoring 3:48 into the second period. Jordan Eberle forced the play into the Flyers zone. Tic-tac-toe back to the top. Eberle beat Vladar as he was hung out to dry by the crisp puck movement in and around the Flyers net.
The Kraken scored again 5:49 into the third period to take the two goal lead. Vladar with a soft clearing attempt from behind his own net led to Seattle gaining control of the puck. Tolvanen passed from behind the net to Chandler Stephenson who beat Vladar blocker side.
The puck stops here
The Flyers were controlling the puck for much of this game and were leading in shots on goal but were quickly starting to run out of time. Down by two goals with half a period to go Seattle’s goaltender was proving to be the Flyers biggest obstacle.
With 3:25 left in regulation Dan Vladar left the Flyers net in exchange for the extra attacker. Seattle took advantage with Tolvanen scoring on the empty net to make it 3-1 with 2:29 on the clock.
Carl Grundstrom spoiled Grubauer’s shut-out at 1:53. A high blocker side shot that eluded the on ice officials at fist. After a whistle and review Grundstrom was rightfully awarded the goal.
After the ensuing faceoff Vladar again headed to the Flyers bench. He just barely made it off the ice as Eeli Tolvanen again scored on the empty net with 1:36 of pointless hockey left to play.
Seattle wins the 1st game of the Flyers road trip 4-1. The Flyers played a good hockey game outshooting the Kraken 32-20. Grubauer had a very solid night between the pipes and was the difference in this tilt. This was the final time these two teams will meet this season. The Flyers won the first game in Philly by the score of 5-2.
Up Next: Flyers in Vancouver to face-off against the Canucks 10:00 PM Tuesday.
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