Hart Gets A Shutout In Flyers’ 2-0 Victory Over The Canucks in Home Opener

Photo Credit: KATE FRESE/FOR PHILLYVOICE

The Philadelphia Flyers open up their home schedule against the Vancouver Canucks, a team that is in a similar spot as the Flyers with a disappointing 2022-23 NHL season. However, the ownership of both teams remain hopeful that the handful of young talent available in the organization can help turn around their fortunes. The Flyers go with a somewhat surprise lineup change, only not the one most fans were expecting. Sean Couturier was originally rumored to be “banged up” and potentially unable to play in the team’s home opener. In a surprising turn of event’s Couturier ended up getting the call to play it was actually Morgan Frost, not rookies Tyson Foerster or Bobby Brink, held out of the lineup. Tortorella did seem to have somewhat of a mixed feelings on Frost’s impact at the NHL level, but after a strong pre-season, Tortorella mostly praised the young center-man early on. However, with a tough loss in their second game to the Ottawa Senators, the coach elected to shift Scott Laughton to the middle and go with two rookies. What is even more surprising is that Frost was clearly one of the team’s top point producers in 2022-23. It will be up to Frost to prove the coaching staff wrong in his next opportunity, most likely the team’s next game.

The Flyers came out strong early in the first period with a semi-breakaway opportunity by Owen Tippett, but he could not finish. However, only moments later Egor Zamula took his time with a shot for the point that beat Canucks goalie, Thatcher Demko, for his first career NHL goal. A great way to start the game and a great confidence booster for Zamula. His goal was assisted by Travis Konecny and Scott Laughton who both continue their hot start for the early portion of the season. While the Flyers played some up and down hockey, they needed to get bailed out by Carter Hart consistently as they produced a sloppy effort in their own zone. It wasn’t until the 2:37 mark at the end of the period where Sean Couturier was able to fight for space and earn himself a breakaway that was impeded by a hook, that lead to a penalty shot. Couturier was able to obtain his first penalty shot of the season and took complete advantage of it. With a shifty semi-sideways skate, Coots deked out Demko to score his first goal of the NHL season and put the Flyers up 2-0 to end the first period.

Flyers started off the second period strong very strong and it continued throughout the entire period. Goalie, Demko had a very nice double deflection save off a shot from Travis Konecny, but the Flyers never stopped buzzing around the net. The Flyers cleaned up their defensive zone coverage quite a bit as they held Vancouver shot-less in the first 9 minutes of the second period. At this point it was all Flyers and the crowd took notice. Around the 10 minute mark, Cam Atkinson, received a nice pass for a close opportunity in tight and drew a penalty on Tyler Myers. However, even with good puck movement and several shots on net, the Flyers came up empty. Later on, the Flyers drew another penalty with 4:06 left in the second period. At this point they were outshooting the Canucks 19-1 in the second period and were all over the Canucks on the power play, but again came up empty. The Flyers finished the period with 32 shots in the game and 23 shots in the second period alone. However, Demko was able to stop everything thrown his way and give his team hopes going into the third period.

Vancouver came out with much more energy to start the 3rd period, but with some nice recovery the Flyers stopped all opportunities from getting on net. Then Owen Tippett did some good work to draw a penalty in the offensive zone. The Flyers didn’t do the best job of taking advantage of it and it seemed to give the Canucks some momentum. Shortly after they got their first goal of the game, which the Flyers did challenge and were able to overturn from a clear goaltender interference call. The game remained 2-0 Flyers at this point. At the 14 minute mark Travis Konecny went after Sam Lafferty for putting the puck into the net after the whistle. Both players were given two minutes, plus a 10 minute misconduct. At this point the refs were afraid they would lose control of the game. However, only two minutes later the Flyers were able to draw another power-play, hoping to put this one out of reach for the Canucks. Again the Flyers came out with nothing, still struggling to score on the power play, something this team must improve as they move forward. The Flyers did take their own penalty at just over the two minute mark, but were able to stop the Canucks power play, even with the extra man they came up empty.

With a 2-0 win, Carter Hart was able to get his first shutout of the season, Couturier was able to score his first goal in two seasons, and Egor Zamula was able to score his first career goal at the NHL level. Overall, it was a great night for the team and more proof that this team is not the same team that was iced in 2022-23. It’s officially a “New Era of Orange”.

Check out our Flyers Nitty Gritty Team Store!