When the Flyers schedule came out, many people found this game. Why? Well, this was the first meeting between the two teams and the first Flyers game in Las Vegas and boy did the Flyers show up.
After a huge shootout win in Phoenix on Saturday night, the Flyers came up even bigger Sunday night in Vegas. The Flyers rolled through the tough T-Mobile arena to a 4-1 victory over the top western conference team, Vegas Golden Knights.
The Golden Knights had only lost 5 games at home all season. However, the Flyers made that 6 tonight.
It was a real team effort shutting down the speedy Knights. But, the Flyers got most of the scoring from the top line. Giroux and Konecny each had 2-point night. While, Sean Couturier had himself a 3-point night.
But, the win was made possible by stellar goaltending by Michal Neuvirth.
Here are 4 more observations from the Flyers 4-1 WIN over the Vegas Golden Knights…
Neuvirth Stands On His Head
After coming in cold and stopping 5 straight penalty shots to propel the Flyers to victory the previous night, Neuvirth picked up right where he left off. Neuvirth stood on his head tonight and propelled the Flyers to the victory.
Neuvirth was the clear star of the game stopping 38 of the 39 shots that came his way. Unlike his recent games, Neuvirth made the timely saves tonight for the Flyers. A good sign for the next couple of weeks for the Flyers.
Michal Neuvirth with a stellar evening in net! pic.twitter.com/L67dYvgYs8
— Sons of Penn (@SonsofPenn) February 12, 2018
With Brian Elliott expected to miss some time with injury, Neuvirth has to have performances, like the one tonight, to help keep the Flyers in a playoff position..
Couturier Ends His Slump
Only having only 1 goal in his last 10-games, Sean Couturier took another step forward to end that stretch tonight. After setting up 2 goals last night, Couturier was rewarded with the Flyers first goal tonight off a great feed by Travis Konecny.
Couturier with the tying goal. pic.twitter.com/FEIrfR3w1c
— NHL GIFs (@NHLGIFs) February 12, 2018
But, Couturier wasn’t done there. Couturier went on to setup the Flyers next two goals.
He sent a shot off Andrew MacDonald’s skate for the Flyers second goal. Then, he drove to the net with an absolute power move to setup Giroux for the Flyers 3rd goal.
Couturier with an absolutely dominant move to set up Giroux! pic.twitter.com/gcDm3c5Dgc
— Sons of Penn (@SonsofPenn) February 12, 2018
Couturier ended the night with a goal and two assists. Through 56 games, Couturier now has 28 goals and 29 assists. He is on pace to be a 40 & 40 guy. Something the Flyers haven’t had in a very long time.
Scorching Hot
After yet another win, the Flyers have continued their hot streak since their 10-game losing streak. Since the 10-game losing streak, the Flyers are 20-8-2 in 30 games.
The 20-8-2 record is best in the Metro Division over that period of time. And, it is also 2nd best in the league behind only the Boston Bruins, 22-4-4.
With the Flyers recent trend upward in play, this team has went from the bottom to almost the top. However, if you ask most of the Flyers, they are not done yet.
This Flyers team can smell blood and know with a hot finish, they can easily catch the Penguins at the very least for 2nd in the Metro. And, possibly the Capitals for a Metro Division title. What a turn-around that would be.
Philly Take-Over
One thing Philly has a history of is taking over arena’s and stadiums. Just look at what Eagles fans did in LA against the Chargers and Rams and in the Super Bowl in Minnesota vs the Patriots.
Well, I guess Vegas was just another one of those nights.
After completely taking over Phoenix the night before, the Flyers fans did not disappoint in Vegas tonight. According to the reporters in the building, the fans where 60-40 Vegas. A number the Knights haven’t seen all year.
However, talking to some fans in the building, it was close to 50-50. In any case, tonight was just another case of the Philadelphia fan base traveling to another city and taking it over.
It just shows how much Philadelphia loves its sports.
Result : Flyers 4 – Golden Knights 1, WIN
Record : 28 – 19 – 9
Next Game : 2/13 New Jersey Devils, Philadelphia PA, NBCSports Philadelphia 7:00pm
Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
