The Flyers have been getting shellacked on a nightly basis, but yesterday with the return of Kevin Hayes they played some spirited hockey. Hit after hit, Rasmus Ristolainen grips a player by the collar of his jersey, all of this ensued in what appeared to be some push back by the orange and black.
They stuck up for one another, which lead to at least three fights on the afternoon. Kevin Connauton went up the tunnel after a heavy hit by Kirby Dach, to which Claude Giroux and Scott Laughton were not happy with no penalty called. Whatever the case maybe, this appeared to be the turning point of the game.
For once the orange and black were entertaining, with a Blackhawks team that struggles more than the Flyers in the third period, at least it appears that way anyways “No, it wasn’t a perfect game, no question,” Mike Yeo said. “Set it off in the second period and we talked about a winning attitude and just kind of recognize that we are down a goal and at home here. I liked the way we came out in the third, that’s for sure. So positive stuff.”
“This is ‘night and day’ compared to how I felt the previous I don’t know 15 games I played,” Kevin Hayes said following the game. “It felt pretty good. I was lucky enough to get a few chances right away and get my confidence back. It is nice when you are getting grade A’s right away and playing with good players.”
Cam Atkinson had a two goal game, and he charged the Flyers to victory. Atkinson eclipsed the 20 goal mark once again for the seventh time in his career, “The fans supported us tonight,” Atkinson said following the game. “I think we had our legs, too, which helps. Like I said, I don’t think our first period, it wasn’t anything special. But when we started making those plays and feeling good about ourselves and wanting the puck and wanting to make a difference, that’s when things opened up for us.”
All in all the Flyers gave Flyers fans something to cheer about for once yesterday. It was a long time coming, as fans have craved for something to cheer about in well over a month. This team was fun for one day, let’s hope they can keep it going. Martin Jones said the game was winnable, of course, “We were down one goal, of course it was winnable. We’ve talked a lot recently about games that have been right there for us and we’ve talked about closing games out and just doing a better job just making sure we’re detail oriented and doing all the little things that help you win hockey games especially in the third period.”
Former Flyer Jaromir Jágr giving back
Former Flyer Jaromir Jágr and the Kladno Knights have moved their final regular season game in the Czech Extraliga to the O2 Arena in Prague (Has a capacity of about 18,000) with all ticket sales supporting Ukrainian families/refugees in the Czech Republic.
Jágr continues to inspire, and support those in need.
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