With just 2.6 seconds left in the 3rd, the Flyers struck some lady luck. Nolan Patrick put home a rebound off of a Shayne Gostisbehere shot to tie the game.
.@nolan_patrick19 with the tying goal in the final seconds! pic.twitter.com/PDtQwaTQAJ
— NHL GIFs (@NHLGIFs) February 3, 2018
The goal capped off a tremendous hard fought 3rd period to level the game at 3. The Flyers came into the 3rd period with a 3-1. However, they exited the 3rd tied at 3-3.
For the Flyers, this strike of luck saved them from losing 4 straight games in regulation. If they did, it would have been a big blow to their playoff hopes.
Here are 4 more observations from the Flyers 4-3 SOL to the Senators…
Goaltending Problems Continue
Entering today, the Flyers have gotten extremely bad goaltending ever since Brian Elliott went on IR. Today, was no different.
Dave Hakstol chose to start Alex Lyon over veteran Michal Neuvirth. Lyon struggled in his 1st career start on Thursday against the Devils. But, Hakstol had nothing but good things to say about him after the loss Thursday.
Today, Lyon faired a little better. However, the goals he let up were extremely weak and are typically NHL saves.
Lyon gave up the whole top corner on the net on the first goal. Matt Duchene said thank you very much and shelved home the goal. On the second goal, Lyon was not strong enough against the post and Derick Brassard rammed one home. The third goal was a result of a 2v1. That was not his fault.
However, with the weak ones going in right now for both Flyers goalie, this team needs their #1 back, Brian Elliott, quickly. But, good news. I talked to Elliott in the press-box during the game and he said he is ready to go.
Power-Play Goes Silent
Going 2 for 3 Thursday against the 4th best penalty kill unit in the league, the Devils, the Flyers power-play was shutout by the 28th best penalty kill unit.
Ottawa entered today’s game with the 28th ranked penalty kill unit. However, they shut down the Flyers on all 3 power-play chances.
It wasn’t really anything they did well. No. They just made timely stops and cleared the puck at bad times for the Flyers power-play.
What stood out more was the shot selection from the Flyers. On the 3 power-plays, the Flyers only generated 2 shots on goal. Averaging less than 1 shot per power-play. Not good when you are trying to score with the man-advantage.
4th Line Shines
Coming off a pretty decent performance in their 1st game together on Thursday, the Flyers 4th line had another good one today. The line of Leier-Filppula-Lehtera was put together after Coach Dave Hakstol rewarded Scott Laughton with a promotion up the lineup.
Too many people’s dismay, this line has been extremely good in their first 2 games.
Today, the line accounted for 5 shots on net in the first two periods. The reason I say that is because Lehtera was nearly benched for the whole 3rd period. Lehtera only got 1 shift in the 3rd and was replaced by the double shifting Jake Voracek and Jordan Weal.
However, if this line can bring energy and pressure like they have in their first 2 games, the Flyers might have some much needed balanced throughout their line-up.
Playoffs Slipping Away
When the Flyers came out of the all-star break, they held a 3 point lead with a game in hand. After today’s 4th straight loss, and all the teams behind them yet to play today, the Flyers currently sit just 1 point clear of the team behind them.
That is a potentially 5 point swing from when they left the all-star last week. The playoffs as a whole might not be slipping away. However, a chance to play a divisional team rather than the powerful Atlantic leaders, Tampa Bay Lightning, is fading fast.
After today’s loss, the Flyers are now 3 points behind the Devils who sit 3rd in the division. But, they have 2 games in hand on the Flyers. Which, if they get points in, will push that number even more in the wrong direction.
Result : Flyers 3 – Senators 4, SOL
Record : 24 – 19 – 9
Next Game : 2/6 Carolina Hurricanes, Raleigh NC, NBCSports Philadelphia 7:00pm
Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
