The Philadelphia Flyers know why they have been struggling lately. They are 2-4-1 in their last seven games, and have been outscored 17-10 in those games.
Philadelphia will try to improve its offensive game Sunday against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena. The Flyers won the last matchup 5-4 in overtime, as Michal Neuvirth came up big in relief of Steve Mason.
On Saturday Claude Giroux stated, “Im getting 5 shots every game, so Im doing something right. If we knew the cause of the struggles we would have fixed it four or five games ago. We have to find a way to produce goals.”
The Flyers must have fed off Giroux’s words because they came out flying on all cylinders. Michal Neuvirth got the nod in net, and made 18 saves in a 3-2 Flyers victory. It was a good win for the Flyers, who finally got out their recent scoring funk.
Just 2:08 into the game, Michael Chaput was called for a tripping penalty. The Flyers registered three shots on net, but Ryan Miller made all three saves keeping the game scoreless.
With 14:57 left in the first period, Alexander Burrows was called for a hooking penalty. It took the Flyers just 42 seconds to score, as Wayne Simmonds slammed home a rebound from a Gostisbehere slap shot. It was Simmonds 25th goal of the year, and it gave the Flyers a 1-0 lead.
Michael Del Zotto was called for a cross checking penalty at 11:48 in the first period. The Canucks tallied three shots on net, but Neuvirth made all three saves keeping the score 1-0 Flyers.
Late in the first period at 16:15, Mark Streit was called for a tripping penalty. The Canucks only managed one shot on net. Neuvirth made the save keeping the score 1-0 Flyers.
The first period ended 1-0 Flyers. They out shot the Canucks 9-8, and they won the faceoff margin 62%-48%.
Jakub Voracek scored just 1:11 into the second period, giving the Flyers a 2-0 lead. He beat Miller with a high wrist shot for his 15th goal of the year.
Just 1:27 later, Brayden Schenn slammed home a rebound from a Gostisbehere slap shot making the score 3-0 Flyers. It was Schenn’s 5th even strength goal of the year, and his 18th goal of the year.
With 16:17 remaining in the second period, Markus Granlund beat Neuvirth over his glove for his 15th goal of the year. This made the score 3-1 Flyers.
At 5:45 Roman Lubiymov was called for a tripping penalty. The Canucks registered two shots on net, but Neuvirth made both saves keeping the score 3-1 Flyers.
With 7:18 remaining in the second period, Jannik Hansen scored on a slap shot under the right pad of Neuvirth. This made the score 3-2 Flyers.
The second period came to a close with the Flyers leading the Canucks 3-2. The Flyers out shot the Canucks 11-6 in that period.
At 2:55 in the third period, Mark Streit was called for a tripping penalty. On the ensuing power play, the Canucks registered two shots on net. Neuvirth made both saves keeping the score 3-2 Flyers.
The Flyers outplayed the Canucks in the third period, and found themselves out shooting them 6-2 through the first ten minutes of the stanza.
The third period came to a close, with the Flyers earning a much needed victory 3-2. They outshot the Canucks 28-20 for the game, and also won the face off margin 62%-48%.
A great defensive effort led to this much needed victory against the Canucks. The Flyers know they need every point from now, until the end of the season in order to make the playoffs. Neuvirth was strong again in net, so that bodes well for the Flyers playoff hopes. The Flyers next game is Wednesday February 22 against the Washington Capitals at 8 pm. Follow me on Twitter @JameyBaskow for all Flyers updates.
Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
