Photo Credit: Out very own Rob Windfelder
Who would have thought? Who would have thought the Flyers would have rolled into Boston, and left after a 24 save shutout? Shutout? Definitely not me, although after an early morning meeting, most should have taken the Flyers on the money line.
Samuel Ersson was very good in this tilt, not the busiest, but still very good. He made 24 saves to earn his sixth consecutive shutout, and this was the first shutout in Boston since 2006 for the Flyers. This was also their first regulation victory in Boston since 2011.
One could just sense from watching the game that Ersson wanted the shutout. He cuts angles off well, was very good on the penalty kill, and he looked calm and confident. Ersson was in control of this game from the puck drop.
Ersson played in front of a great team defense on this night for once. Nick Seeler, Travis Sanheim, Jamie Drysdale, Sean Couturier, Rasmus Ristolainen, and Noah Cates were shot blocking machines, as they combined to block 19 shots total on the night, “Tough place to come in and play. Great game overall,” Ersson Said following the game.
“That’s the way we play. We play the type of defense to block shots. For us to stay afloat in the league, that’s the way we have to play as a team. I thought we played better in fives,” Flyers’ Head Coach John Tortorella said.
Both Ristolainen and Drysdale made good plays defensively. Ristolainen broke up a 3-on-2 midway through the third period that kept the score 1-0. He played the shot and pass, obviously he was long enough to do such, and I think that stifled the Bruins player. Ristolainen scooped the puck away with his stick, and there was no shot on net. These were the type of plays the Flyers team defense weren’t making in the prior seven games.
Emil Andrae played one of his best games of his short NHL career. He is feisty, and a ball of energy. He was in great position to make plays. Andrae can skate, and that helps in this league. The guys on the bench loved him sucker punching a Bruin:
Drysdale bodied a few Bruins players along the boards to come away with the puck. He really had a bad game against Montreal Canadiens this past Sunday night, so it was good to see him rebound with a quality game.
“It shows when we grind and play like this, we can beat any team. This is one of those wins that we kind of get our swagger back,” Ersson said following the game. “This is how we should play. We fight, we grind.”
Now the Flyers have to continue this same effort on Thursday night against St. Louis Blues. The Blues are off to a great start to the season, so this should be an interesting tilt. Can the Flyers mom’s make it 2-0 with them in attendance? We shall see!!!
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Jamey I love your passion for the Flyers, but you really need to proofread your articles before you hit the Send button! Thanks,
Joe Jablonski
Joe,
I appreciate all your support, and you’re absolutely correct. I usually write at 4-430 in the morning with taking care of the kids. I need to do a better job, it’s as simple as that. I appreciate your comment. I will imp[rove
Jamey
Same comment as above. Absolutely love the flyers and I can interpret what you are trying to say, but it’s like this was dictated then just sent through without another thought