It’s not fair to put last night’s game on Carter Hart. While the Philadelphia Flyers did score first and Brian Elliott eventually replaced Hart, this isn’t on the goaltender. The skaters on the ice were slow to the puck. Even after being down by a goal, the Florida Panthers kept playing tough and the cream rose to the top. The better team won this game, and that was the Panthers.
It didn’t take long for the Philadelphia Flyers to get on the board. About six and a half minutes in, Travis Sanheim put a stiff slap shot past Sergei Bobrovsky after a rebound was surrendered on a tough shot from Philippe Myers. From here on, it was all about the Florida Panthers. Four minutes later, Colton Sceviour scored even-strength to tie the game, 1-1. Then, the Panthers took the lead when Brett Connolly found the back of the net with a shot.
Up, 2-1, in the second period, the Florida Panthers scored just over six and a half minutes in. The Philadelphia Flyers seemed lost and slow on defense in comparison to the swift and ready Panthers. Aleksander Barkov was credited with that goal and would assist another one four minutes later. Jonathan Huberdeau made the lead, 4-1, for Florida and Carter Hart would be replaced. The Flyers would score later in the period, crediting Morgan Frost with his first career NHL goal in his first career NHL game.
Now, 4-2, the Philadelphia Flyers had to play a perfect period. Brian Elliott did a great job in place of Carter Hart, who had a frustrating night. Many players were frustrated on the Flyers and it showed in an undisciplined showing on the ice. Mike Hoffman scored an empty-net goal for the Florida Panthers. The Panthers defeated Philadelphia, 5-2.
Flyers Kill Penalties
The Florida Panthers had a nine-game goal-scoring streak for their powerplay unit coming into this game. It is work mentioning that the Philadelphia Flyers were a perfect four-for-four on the penalty kill, breaking that streak against a quality powerplay. It’s a curse that the Flyers played better in man-down situations than even-strength. Four out of five goals were scored during even-strength hockey. The penalty kill is just about the only aspect of team hockey that was well played by Philadelphia.
Frosty the Scoreman
Nevermind the bad title for this bit. Morgan Frost has my attention. He scored the first goal of his NHL career in his first NHL game. He’s been the bright spot of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms last week. Coincidentally, he is a silver-lining for the Philadelphia Flyers. The youth of this roster is going to be exciting to watch mature over the next few seasons.
Skating Through Mud
Scoring the first goal of the game is supposed to give a big advantage towards dictating the pace of a hockey game. The Philadelphia Flyers scored the first goal of the game and dictated nothing. Identifying the problem isn’t hard. My theory is that the Flyers get comfortable. The Florida Panthers adjusted and were relentless whereas Philadelphia was stuck in their ways.
Next, the Philadelphia Flyers are at the PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina against the Carolina Hurricanes. This game takes place on Thursday, November 21st at 7:00 pm. Be sure to give a follow for more Flyers coverage at EricReesePSN on Twitter and follow Philly Sports Network at PhiladelphiaSN!
Mandatory Photo Credit: AP Photo/Lynne Sladky
