Photo Credit: Philadelphia Flyers, Philadelphia Flyers PR
The Philadelphia Flyers four game winning streak came to an end on Thursday with a 4-3, loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The game itself was one full of momentum swings. At certain points Philadelphia was largely controlling play while at other times the Maple Leafs and superstar Auston Matthews looked unstoppable.Â
Game Recap
The Flyers dictated play in this matchup essentially until halfway through the second period.
As soon as Travis Sanheim tallied the shorthanded goal in the opening period the Flyers took the momentum (3rd shorthanded goal in last 4 games played for Philadelphia). There was even a stage in the game where the Flyers had an 18-9 shot advantage.
Despite that, Auston Matthews first goal of this game nine minutes into the 2nd period swung momentum into the Leafs favour heavily.
From that point Matthews and the Leafs pounced on the Flyers and used their transition game to create an abundance of scoring opportunities. This was a crucial element of Matthews scoring a hat trick in the second period in just 7 minutes and 49 seconds.
In the third period the Flyers showed their resilience clawing back from a 3-1 deficit to eventually tie it.
The comeback was in part sparked through a Nic Deslauriers fight with Simon Benoit. Most importantly Deslauriers faught to stick up for Cam York who took a hit to the head from Benoit in the offensive zone and did not return to the game.
As stated by newly appointed assistant captain Travis Konecny the fight played a key role in shifting the momentum in this game back within the Flyers favour.
(Video credit, Philadelphia Flyers, Philadelphia Flyers PR)
After that Philadelphia managed to ramp up their forechecking which led to a goal from Garnet Hathaway. Shortly thereafter Tyler Bertuzzi took an untimely tripping penalty. This led to a Flyers power-play that Travis Konecny ultimately capitalized on to tie the game 3-3.
In the overtime period the Leafs managed to secure the 4-3 victory. William Nylander scored a five-hole goal just 54 seconds in to end the game.
Statistics
The goal scorers for the Flyers in this matchup were Travis Sanheim, Garnet Hathaway and Travis Konecny.
Laughton, Konecny, Seeler, Cates, Tippett and Farabee all had one assist each in this matchup.
Samuel Ersson made 24 saves on 28 shots for a .857 save percentage and 4.00 goals against average.
The Flyers ice time leaders in this game were Travis Konecny with, 22:12 TOI, Jamie Drysdale with 20:57 TOI and Morgan Frost with 20:50 TOI.
Flyers Showed Resilience
Despite the loss the Flyers picked up one point which extended the team’s point streak to five games. They currently have a record of 4-0-1 since returning from the all-star break.
Although Philadelphia couldn’t keep their winning streak alive they once again proved they will not quit on games even when trailing by multiple goals late in the third period.
What’s interesting to note about the resiliency shown in this matchup is that the Flyers didn’t let the Leafs being up 3-1 frustrate them.Â
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There were lapses in their play but they managed to get things back on track and push the game to overtime when it looked like a regulation loss may have been on the horizon.
It’s a sign of a team that competes hard and gives their all even if they may not have their A game. What’s been most impressive over this recent five game stretch is that the Flyers haven’t necessarily played at their best but have still been in every game and given themselves chances to win.
Good teams typically find ways to win without firing on all cylinders. What’s encouraging for the Flyers is they’ve gotten points over the last five games even though there’s been dips in their play. If they can continually begin to put together 60 minute efforts during the final 27 regular season games their ability to remain competitive throughout the Eastern Conference playoff race seems to be very likely.
Post-game With John Tortorella and Travis Sanheim
(Video credit, Philadelphia Flyers, Philadelphia Flyers PR)
