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Photo Credit: Our very own Rob Windfelder
On Monday night the Flyers (15-15-4) took on the Pittsburgh Penguins (15-15-5) adding another chapter to their rivalry. It was Matvei Michkov’s introduction to the historic rivalry as he looked to snap a 7 game-goal-less streak. The Flyers came in carrying the momentum of a dramatic comeback win on Saturday night, beating the Columbus Blue Jackets 5-4. They hoped to build off that win and pick up two points on Christmas Eve eve. Sam Ersson got the start in net and Sean Couturier returned to the lineup after being out last game due to the birth of his second child.
First Period
Just 2:29 into the game Bryan Rust scored his 15th goal of the year putting the Penguins up 1-0. A shot that Sam Ersson would like to have back. The Flyers were behind immediately and would not regain the lead at any point in the night. Following the goal the Penguins kept up the good start by continuing to pressure the Flyers hemming them in their zone.
At 13:48 a great pass from Ryan Poehling found Egor Zamula in the high slot. Zamula fired a wrist shot past Tristion Jarry tying the game up 1-1. It is Zamula’s second goal of the year thanks to a great play by Poehling.
With 8:07 left in the first period Penguins Rikard Rakell scored his 16th of the season after the Flyers got caught in their defensive zone. The Flyers failed to clear the puck and a pass from Bryan Rust helped set up the Rakell goal giving the Penguins a 2-1 lead. Rakell has now scored a goal in 5 straight games against the Flyers.
Cam York got called for a holding penalty giving the Penguins their first power play of the game with 5:07 left in the period. The power play would result in a goal by Michael Bunting his 8th of the season, courtesy of a great pass by Evgeni Malkin. The goal gave the Penguins a 3-1 lead and put them in the driver’s seat. Shortly after the goal, Cam York got called for another holding penalty sending the Penguins back to the powerplay. The powerplay would result in yet another goal for the Penguins. Philip Tomasino’s fourth goal of the year gave the Penguins a 4-1 lead.
At the end of the first period the Penguins dominated the Flyers in every facet and the scoreboard reflected that.
Second Period
4:29 into the second period Noah Cates lit the lamp for his fourth game in a row to cut the deficit down to 4-2. It is Cates’ 6th of the year and gave the Flyers a momentum boost they desperately needed. The Flyers would maintain constant pressure in their offensive zone and eventually would break through again. Dad strength for Sean Couturier helped lead him to a goal with 6:54 left in the second making it a 4-3 game. It is Couturier’s 7th of the year putting the game back within reach for the Flyers.
After the Flyers played a solid second-period the Penguins struck with 1:12 left as Michael Bunting scored his second of the night and 9th of the year. It gave the Penguins a 5-3 lead and killed the Flyers momentum going into the third period. It was another tough goal for Ersson to give up who was still in the game despite giving up four goals in the first period alone. After 40 minutes the Penguins led 5-3 and looked poise to win the game.
Third Period
John Tortorella turned to Aleksei Kolosov in the third period to replace Sam Ersson who gave up 5 goals on the night. He hoped the move would be able to propel them to a comeback. Kolosov made a great first save on a one-timer from Matt Nieto. Despite Kolosov’s good play, the Flyers would generate no offense in the third period.
The Penguins held onto the lead and the Flyers failed to generate any constant offensive pressure throughout the entire period. After the Flyers pulled Kolosov, Sidney Crosby scored an empty netter with 2:30 left. It was Crosby’s fourth point of the night and gave the Penguins a 6-3 lead. A late penalty on Matvei Michkov led to another power play opportunity for the Penguins. The power play immediately led to another goal for the Penguins. A shot off the boards from behind the net directed the puck out in front and was slammed home by Blake Lizotte. It is Lizzotte’s 8th goal of the year, 7-3 Penguins.
After the late goal, that would conclude the scoring for the night. 7-3 is your final as the Flyers have multiple issues they need to address heading into the layoff.
Much Needed Break
The Flyers head into the Holiday break sitting at 15-16-4 with 34 points through 35 games. They need their offense, defense, and goaltending to become more consistent if they want to string together some consistent wins. Michkov finished with the lowest amount of ice time tonight (11:27) which is something to watch going forward. Michkov has now gone 8 straight games without a goal. It would not be a surprise to see him as a healthy scratch at some point during the West Coast road trip. Also, look for Kolosov to get more time as well in net.
The Flyers now have off until Friday, December 28th when they take on the Ducks in Anaheim. The Holiday break comes at a good time for a Flyers team that is struggling in every aspect right now. Hopefully, they can come back from the break looking better than tonight’s showing.
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