PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 23: Kevin Hayes #13 of the Philadelphia Flyers reacts after scoring a goal against the New York Rangers in the third period at the Wells Fargo Center on December 23, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Flyers defeated the Rangers 5-1. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
The Philadelphia Flyers hosted the reigning Stanley Cup champion Colorado Avalanche tonight and things went about the opposite as expected. The Flyers grit and determination won them this game. A solid all-around game for the team was exactly what they needed after winning only once in their last 12. All in all, a rocky finish saw the game almost get away from the Flyers, but an empty net goal from Travus Konecny saved the day and the Flyers won 5-3.
An early holding call on Kevin Hayes put the Flyers on the penalty kill. Alex Hewhook deflected a Cale Makar point shot past Carter Hart for the early 1-0 lead. Newhook was left all alone in front and got a clean tip on the shot.
Travis Sanheim got the Flyers back even 1-1 with a snipe from the slot shortly after. Great individual work from Scott Laughton allowed the Flyers to play virtually a man-up (Rantanen’s stick broke during their battle), and cleared enough room for Sanheim to walk in and deliver the shot.
Later in the period, Tanner Laczynski scored on a rebound to make it 2-1 Philadelphia. Joel Farabee had the puck on the left wing, shot, and it bounced off Georgiev’s pad right to Laczynski. Farabee was sprung by Patrick Brown.
Laczynski Gives Flyers 2-1 Lead
On the first Flyers’ powerplay in the second period, Tony DeAngelo’s shot got through and found the back of the net.
The Flyers’ second powerplay goal of the game and fourth overall belonged to Owen Tippett. A Laughton one-timer from the far circle missed the net and bounced right to him, allowing him to one time a rocket past Georgiev.
In other news, two Flyers’ draft picks were invited to World Junior camps. 2022 fifth overall pick and current Boston College Eagle, Cutter Gauthier, was invited to the United States’ camp. Also, 2021 sixth round pick (174 overall), Ethan Samson was invited to Canada’s camp.
Brian Zanetti, a 2021 fourth round pick (110 overall) is also expected to make Switzerland’s team after being on the roster as an 18-year-old. He will have more of a role this go around as a 19-year-old.
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Gauthier is one of the top freshmen in the country. The 18-year-old has an 8-4-12 line so far through 12 games with BC. He is expected to make the team and have a significant role. The Flyers are also expected to sign Gauthier to an Entry-Level Contract following BC’s season.
It is not as clear if Samson will make Canada’s team. The 19-year-old is in his fourth year with Prince George of the WHL, and has a 6g-12a-18p line through 22 games this season, but the experience will definitely aide his development as a player.
