The Philadelphia Flyers came into Monday night’s tilt against the St. Louis Blues looking to rebound after being shutout against the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday. Unfortunately for the orange and black, the offense was dry again as they are shut out for the second game in a row falling to the Blues 2-0. Paul Stastny scored in the second and New Jersey native Kenny Agostino scored on a breakaway in the third to lead the Blues to their second win under new coach Mike Yeo.
Michal Neuvirth again was strong, although he only faced 16 shots. He made timely saves and did a very good job controlling rebounds. The Flyers also played a stronger game in the defensive zone limiting the Blues offensive zone chances and playing strong in the neutral zone game.
The Bad:
Let’s start with the Flyers power play. It is virtually non existent. With Flyers coach Dave Hakstol’s decision to sit second year defenseman and power play quartback Shayne Gostisbehere, the Flyers had very few quality scoring chances. Mark Streit, who took Gostisbehere’s spot on the first unit does not put the fear into the opposing penalty kill unit. Streit lacks the foot speed and ability to get the shots through. The Flyers ended the game 0-4 with the man advantage.
Jake Voracek’s brutal turnover that lead to Agostino’s breakaway goal in the third arguably defines ‘ugly’.. Voracek tried a cross ice pass that was easily intercepted and David Perron sprung Agostino to give the Blues the 2-0 lead.
