For the second time in two weeks the Flyers are coming off an agonizing late game loss to the New Jersey Devils, this time on the road against a struggling Columbus Blue Jackets team that had lost 9 of their last 13 games. Not only were the Flyers trying to shake off that tough home loss to the Devils, but they came into Nationwide Arena trying to exercise demons of past trips to Columbus, Ohio. The Flyers came in having lost 11 consecutive trips to Columbus (going 0-5-6 in that span). In fact, the last time the Flyers were able to win in Columbus was December 13, 2005.
With only 25 games remaining in the 2017-2018 season you would expect a road game against a division rival and playoff contender to resemble a playoff game. That is exactly what was given to us by the Flyers and Blue Jackets right from the opening faceoff. Both teams played to their strengths. The Blue Jackets used their skill to get shots directed towards Michal Neuvirth and relied upon goaltender Sergei Bobrovski to bail them out when the Flyers used their speed and skill to get behind the Columbus defense. The best of Bobrovski came on a stretching cross-crease blocker save on Claude Giroux off of a 2-on-1 rush.
The goaltending duel continued into the second period. The Flyers came out with purpose as Sean Couturier (whose line, along with Claude Giroux and Travis Konecny were easily the best line on the ice all night for either team) received a pass the sent him in on a breakaway, but he failed to convert as his shot went wide of the net. A little over 3 minutes after Michal Neuvirth, who was solid and steady all night, made a point blank save on Lukas Sedlak the Flyers were able to break the scoreless tie. At 11:25 of the second period Wayne Simmonds was able to get his 20th goal of the season on a beautiful deflection off of a shot from Shayne Gostisbehere from the point. The Flyers could’ve had two or three more goals but not for the stellar performance by Sergei Bobrovski in goal.
The Blue Jackets did what any good playoff contending team would do when trailing after two periods, they put their best foot forward and spent a majority of the first 3 minutes of the 3rd period in the Flyers zone. The Flyers were able to withstand the pressure and eventually would get the game’s first and only powerplay at 5:45 of the 3rd period. Bobrovski once again stood tall in net with another lunging cross-crease save to rob Jake Voracek on a tip while skating across the top of the crease. The Blue Jackets continued to apply pressure and it would eventually pay of as Cam Atkinson would score his 10th goal of the season to tie the game 1-1 at 16:32 of the third period. Despite a late period push by the Flyers, this would be the goal that would send the game to overtime.
Not to be denied, Sean Couturier would score the game-winning goal, his 29th of the season, 1:52 into the overtime period. The Flyers played clean, disciplined hockey and one of their most complete games of the season to make certain that the tough New Jersey loss is a thing of the past. The Flyers needed a playoff-type effort and they got it from start to finish while staring adversity right in the face. Part of becoming a playoff team is conquering uncharted territory; the Flyers can now lay claim to victory in Columbus.
A Look at the Numbers
With the win tonight:
The Flyers are now 4-6-5 in their last 15 games vs. the Blue Jackets and 1-4-5 in last 9 games at Columbus (since Columbus joined the Eastern Conference for the 2013-2014 season)
The Flyers won at Columbus for the first time since the 2005-2006 season (December 13, 2005). In that game Peter Forsberg , Jeff Carter, and Sami Kapanen scored goals and Robert Esche stopped 23 of 24 shots.
The Flyers ended an 11 game losing streak (0-5-6) in games at Columbus
The Flyers are 14-6-2 and the Blue Jackets are 7-11-2 (lost 10 of their last 14) since Columbus beat the Flyers on December 23rd
The Flyers record now stands at 29-19-10, have 68 points, and are 4 points clear of the New York Islanders for the final Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference
My Three Stars
1. Sean Couturier – GWG in OT, 4SOG, +1, 20:30 TOI
2. Michal Neuvirth – 1GA, 35 Saves on 36 Shots, .972 SV%
3. Sergei Bobrovski – 2GA, 23 Saves on 25 Shots, .920 SV%
What’s Next
The Flyers stay on the road and play the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, February 18th. Broadcast: NBC & 97.5 The Fanatic at 12PM
The Flyers are 0-1 vs. The Rangers this season, dropping a 5-1 decision at MSG on January 16th. The Flyers are 4-8-2 in their last 12 games vs. the Rangers and 2-5 in their last 7 games at MSG.
Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
