The Philadelphia Flyers completed their three game Western Canada trip by defeating the Vancouver Canucks 3-2 on Sunday night. The win gave the Flyers their lone win on a trip that was vital to the teams postseason aspirations. The Flyers needed wins on this trip. They simply did not get enough of them.
The Good:
The Flyers were able to salvage two points on Sunday night. It was a win they simply had to have. The power play also came to life as Wayne Simmonds and Brayden Schenn scored with the man advantage. The best part of the trip from a Flyers perspective, was the game from second year defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere against the Canucks. He was the Flyers best and most dangerous player offensively and played a solid defensive game. Gostisbehere had the first three point game of his career, notching three assists. He was the Ghost of last season.
The Bad:
The game on Thursday against Edmonton was not one of the Flyers better efforts. The Flyers could not keep up with the speed and fore check of the young Edmonton team. Oilers captain Connor McDavid had a goal and two assists and the slow footed Flyers could not keep up. Goalie Michal Neuvirth also struggled making only 19 saves while allowing six goals on only 25 shots against.
The Ugly:
As good as the Flyers power play was against the Canucks on Sunday night, it was equally as bad on Wednesday in Calgary against the Flames. The Flyers had an almost two minute five on three advantage in the first period with the game tied. When the Flyers could not take the lead and the air was taken out of them. Although Neuvirth won on Sunday against the Canucks, he struggled against Calgary and Edmonton stopping only 39 of 47 shots. A save percentage of .829 will not get it done.
The Flyers needed points on this trip and did not get enough of them. They have a rough week as they head back home to take on the league leading Washington Capitals on Wednesday before heading to Heinz Field on Saturday for their Stadium Series matchup against the defending Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins. The Flyers have put themselves in a tough position as they now sit fifth in the Wild Card standings. They have three games remaining before the trade deadline. Will they buy or sell?
Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
