As a continuation of PSN’s playoff series, we now move onto some notable game two’s in playoff history. This time, we’re going to take you back to a much more recent memory. Game two of Eastern conference quarterfinals against the Penguins was a huge bounce-back game for Philly, as they took down the Penguins 5-1 after falling 7-0 in game one. Let’s see how it all panned out:
April 13, 2018- Philadelphia Flyers at Pittsburgh Penguins
During the 2017-2018 season, the Flyers were rolling into the playoffs. Winners of four of their last five regular-season games, they squeaked past the Columbus Blue Jackets for third place in the Metro Division.
During the regular season, the Flyers fell in the middle of the pack in both offensive and defensive categories. Their offense was ranked 13th in the league, averaging just about three goals per game. Their defense essentially canceled this out, as they allowed basically three goals a game as well. With Dave Hakstol behind the bench, this team was average at best, however, helping Hak stay around longer than welcomed with their 98 regular-season points.
First Period:
The first period of this game was much slower than game one. After allowing the Penguins to score three first period goals in the series opener, the Flyers stabilized their defense early for game two. The teams barely got any shots off on both ends of the ice. This was until the 24-year-old defensive phenom that was 2017-2018 Shayne Gostisbehere broke open the scoring late.
Following a Zach Aston-Reese boarding penalty, Ghost continued his powerplay dominance to score his first playoff goal with seconds remaining This momentum pushed the Flyers into the second period with a 1-0 lead, and provided the boost the team needed following the blowout loss.
Second Period:
Like mentioned, the Flyers had plenty of momentum and energy out of the locker room. The Flyers were peppering Matt Murray with shots early. Sean Couturier snuck one by Murray, banking one-off Kris Letang not even a minute into the period.
The Penguins controlled the remainder of the period. The teams combined for five total penalties in the second period, which was the rest of the action. Brian Elliot stood tall on his head, including stoning Sidney Crosby on a breakaway attempt:
Third Period:
Luckily for the Flyers, they got under the Penguins’ skin. As the Pens failed to score with less than ten seconds left in the second, Crosby snapped his stick across the crossbar. This frustration only got worse as the Flyers opened the scoring gap further in the third.
It only took a minute and a half for Travis Konecny to make something happen. TK gained an edge on Derek Brassard and chip one over the shoulder of Murray, displaying his potential:
As the orange and black maintained control for the period, Nolan Patrick invited himself to the goal parade. A few minutes after his buddy Travis scored, he couldn’t let him have all the spotlight. Patrick banged one home while sitting backdoor on the powerplay.
Patrick Hornqvist would soon follow up with a goal of his own, exactly 17 seconds after Patrick. However, the Flyers would hold control for the remainder of the game.
Put it this way, Andrew MacDonald even scored a goal. It was an empty netter, but a goal nonetheless. The Flyers took this one 5-1.
What Happens Next:
It wouldn’t be much fun to talk about the rest of this series. The Flyers went onto lose in the first round, dropping the series 4-2 to the Penguins. On a less painful note, the Washington Capitals would take down the Penguins for the first time in a long time in a playoff series, en route to hoisting the Stanley Cup.
Mandatory Credit – © Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
