Flyers Flames Big Finish Falls Just Short

Photo Credit: FNG’s Rob Windfelder

New Year’s Eve in beautiful Calgary Canada. Flyers Flames. The Flyers have been putting quite a nice spin on the final months of 2023. What a difference the calendar year has made for the Orange and Black. Calgary on the other hand is fighting for a chance to get closer to hockey 500. The teams will meet twice this week facing each other again on Saturday afternoon in Philadelphia.

Philly vs Calgary

The Flyers got on the board at 10:16 of the 1st period. Ryan Poehling to Rasmus Ristolainen on a two-on-one. Perfect pass, gaping net, Risto sends it home. The goal seemed to shock the Flames into action. They created several dangerous chances in the second half of the period. Ersson was asked to make a few big saves and at one point he totally robbed Rasmus Andersson with a highlight reel pad save.
The Flames kept the pressure on until the very final seconds of the period. If not for the stellar play of the Flyers goaltender they would not be headed into the 1st intermission with the one goal lead. The buzzer could not have went off at a better time. The Flyers needed a reset. …Big time.

2nd Period

The 2nd period opened with Morgan Frost being the recipient of one of the most ill-advised turn overs possible. A Flame put the puck on his stick all alone out front with all day to make a move. Andersson made the save.

Flyers went back on the power when Egor Zamula was boarded. It took him a bit to get back on his feet but he was out there for his very next shift. The Flyers power-play gave up a couple really dangerous rushes by the Flames. The second rush caught Zamula as the only man back and without his stick he had to take a penalty at that point ending the Philadelphia man advantage.

Deja Vu all over again

At the midway point this game was feeling very reminiscent of the 3rd period in Seattle two nights ago. The Flyers were desperately clinging to a one goal lead while facing an unrelenting offensive onslaught. Ersson continued to stand tall as another Flyers power-play came and went. Calgary was starting to play really aggressive even when down a man.

When the Flyers were getting offensive opportunities Jacob Markstrom was busy proving that Samuel Ersson was not the only goaltender on the ice having a good night. There were some great chances but Markstrom refused to give up the breathing room the Flyers were looking for.

Only a matter of time

With just 1:39 left in the 2nd the Flyers had a bit of a defensive breakdown in their own zone. Michael Backlund ended up with the puck all alone in the slot and he beat Ersson top shelf glove side. Moments later the buzzer sounded as Travis Sanheim took a bit of a late hit. There was pushing and shoving and general chipping and chirping as the two teams left the ice with the score tied at one.

Caution

Both teams started the 3rd period looking a little cautious knowing that goals were hard to come by so far tonight and the next one could be huge. Sean Walker took a Flame into the boards which diverted attention to that side of the ice. Johathan Huberdeau ended up with the puck and sent it to Dennis Gilbert who was totally uncovered in the slot and he beat Ersson with a wrister. 2-1 Flames.

After the Flyers mounting some sustained pressure play went down the other end and Samuel Ersson was hit in the mask with a shot. The shot snapped the strap on his mask and Ersson pulled his mask off for the stoppage of play. He was given a two minute penalty for delay of game. Calgary took a penalty breaking up a Flyers short-handed rush which ended the Flames man advantage. The Flames Nazem Kadri scored on the issuing four on four. 3-1 Flames

Frenzy

The Flyers had some great chances and bounces but it seemed as if the puck would never make it into the net. The Flyers pulled Ersson with three and a half minutes to go and it paid off right away. Bobby Brink scored from inside the blue paint. 3-2 Flames

With just over three minutes left Tortorella pulled Ersson again for the extra attacker. The Flyers mounted a valiant effort to make up for an unfortunate give away in their own zone but the Flames finally managed an empty net goal with 2:14 to go. 4-2 Flames.

Tortz pulled Ersson again and this time it was Egor Zamula beating Markstrom with a slap shot from the point. 4-3 Flames

With one minute left Tororella pulled Ersson yet again. The Flyers mounted a gigantic scrambling cluster of attempts in the Calgary crease yet somehow the puck stayed out. Time ran out with the Flyers still one goal behind. This was another great example of a team that just does not lay down and just does not give up. Tonight they fell short at the end of a Western post holiday road swing that earned them 3 out of a possible 6 points. After the game Tortorella could not have been more blunt or direct. Bottom line: No excuses.

Extra Credit: Here’s to wishing you all the best in 2024! Happy New Year Flyers Fans!