The Flyers are trying to avoid being the first team in NHL history to get shutout in three straight games. They host the New York Islanders, who have allowed 15 goals in the last three games combined.
Matt Read told the Courier Post on Wednesday, “Personally, if I do not score in a while your confidence is low. You think about passing first, and you do not put your head up to shoot. Something has to happen, but it will not unless you shoot with your head up.”
Read re-enters the lineup after Travis Konecny sustained a lower body injury this past Tuesday. The Flyers must have taken Read’s words to heart because they were flat out dominant in the first period against the Islanders. They wound up losing the game 3-1, with Mason making 30 saves in the loss.
Five minutes into the game, the Flyers had four shots on net to the Islanders two. Both goaltenders Greiss and Mason looked strong, making this the start of a goaltending duel.
At 10:50 in the first period, Shane Prince was called for the first penalty of the game. On the ensuing power play, Shayne Gostisbehere took a slap shot from the point. Greiss made the right pad save, but Wayne Simmonds slammed home the rebound for a 1-0 Flyers lead.
At 14:19 in the first period, Mark Streit tripped Nikolay Kulemin giving the Islanders their first power play of the night. On the ensuing power play, Ryan Strome made a nice seam pass to Johnathan Tavares. He put it past Mason scoring his 21st goal of the season, tying the game at 1.
The first period came to a close with the score tied at 1. The Flyers dominated the period, out shooting the Islanders 16-6.
Just 2:13 into the second period, Andrew Ladd made a nice saucer pass to a cutting Jason Chimera. Chimera slammed home his 12th goal of the year past Mason for a 2-1 Islanders lead.
The second period came to a close with the Flyers trailing 2-1. They were out played in the second period, as the Islanders out shot them 12-7. The Islanders also won the face off margin 67%-33%.
The Islanders got off to a fast start in the third period. Just 1:21 in the period, Casey Cizikas scored on a wrist shot making the score 3-1 Islanders.
Wayne Simmonds was called for a roughing penalty with 17:03 remaining in the third period. The Islanders had good puck movement on the power play registering three shots on net. Mason made all three saves keeping the score 3-1 Islanders.
At 12:27 in the third period, Shane Prince was called for interference on Claude Giroux. On the ensuing power play, the Flyers registered just one shot on net. Greiss made the save preserving the 3-1 lead for the Islanders.
Thomas Hickey took a high sticking penalty on Jalub Voracek late in the third period. The Flyers registered four shots on net during the power play, but Greiss made all four saves preserving the Islanders 3-1 lead.
The Flyers wound up losing the game 3-1, but they outshot the Islanders 34-33 for the game. They lost the face off margin 60%-40%.
The Flyers are left soul searching after this loss to the Islanders. They are in dire need of some one stepping up offensively, as the Flyers have not scored an even strength goal in three consecutive games. The San Jose Sharks come to town Saturday for a 1pm tilt. Follow me on Twitter @JameyBaskow for all Flyers updates.
Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
