On Saturday afternoon, an energized Flyers team took on one of their toughest opponents of the season, and won. Not only was this a feel-good win, it was a regulation win. This game tells us everything we need to know about the kinds of battles this team is capable of.
Throughout this season, the Flyers have both peaked and plummeted. COVID has reared its ugly head on many members of the team and caused setbacks, while at other times, it felt like they were on top of the world. There seemed to be no in-between of the good and the bad, until today. With a 3-2 regulation win against the no-quit Boston Bruins, it is evident that energy and momentum have returned to normal for the Flyers. They held a lead into the first intermission for the first time in 13 games, and only let the score be tied once. There is certainly nothing to complain about here.
Travis Konecny has been on a hot streak with 28 points in 34 games, making him an almost point-per-game player. With his ninth goal and nineteenth assist of the season and being named “first star” of the game yesterday, he continues to prove himself to be just that– a star. Personally, he is my favorite forward, and he only strengthens my support for him with each game he plays. His team spirit, personality, and skills make him an exciting and rewarding player to watch.
Selke trophy winner Sean Couturier also keeps his good record up by scoring crucial goals, which he did yesterday by netting the game winner nearly halfway into the third period. Teams need reliable goal scorers, and Couturier is nothing short of that. He always seems to be the one to bring the Flyers out of their woes and restore hope for the team. Strong battles and determined plays always prove successful for the 28-year-old, who excels in every aspect of the game.
On the other end of the ice, a locked-in goaltender is imperative as well for hard-fought wins. Making stops on plays that could generate a goal and essentially being a brick wall is what players hope for in a goalie, and the highly experienced Brian Elliott has shown himself to fit those descriptions. He made 30 saves against a determined Bruins team and pulled through to bring the Flyers to a win in 60 minutes.
When a game has to be decided in sudden death overtime or a skills competition shootout, stakes are high and the tension on the ice could be cut with a knife. On the contrary, games ended in regulation certainly bring a feeling of ease to fans and players alike. It’s always a good time when your team wins without the impending sense of doom that overtime brings. Proving that you can put up a 200-foot battle and win it without needing extra time is something that the Flyers have struggled with, but yesterday’s game brings some comfort in knowing that they are capable of doing so.
