It’s not often that an Alex Ovechkin masterclass is outshined by a 7-goal romp. But that’s what we saw on Sunday as the Flyers offense caught fire to take a huge win over the Capitals. With six goals scored in just two periods to quell the fire, there were bound to be some interesting statistics. Here are five to make you feel extra fiery on this cold Sunday evening.
James Van Riemsdyk continues to roll back the years and lead the Flyers offense
James Van Riemsdyk has enjoyed an explosive start to the 2020-2021 campaign. So much so that he earned the NHL East player of the month honors this past Tuesday. If that wasn’t enough, he notched a goal and an assist against the Caps to push his scoring streak to seven consecutive games.
Through 13 games, JVR now has 7 goals and 11 assists. 4 of those goals and 9 of those assists have been notched during this incredible run.
If that wasn’t enough, there was a touch of wholesomeness too. JVR, who was of course drafted by the team back in 2007 with the 2nd overall pick, scored his 100th goal for the franchise today.
Joel Farabee’s breakout
Joel Farabee is rapidly emerging as one of the hottest young players in the league and if he can continue to punch in performances like he did today, then that conversation is only going to snowbal.
As a rookie, Joel Farabee posted 8 goals and 13 goals through 52 games. He has 6 goals and 6 assists through 13 games this season, including an impressive hatty against the Islanders at the beginning of the week.
On Sunday, he was unstoppable. The 2018 draft selection was involved in three of the teams’ goals marking his third game of the year in which he tallied at least three points. Impressively, he became the first Flyer to achieve this feat in a single season before reaching the age of 21 since Justin Williams all the way back in 2001-2002.
Anything Ovie does, Laughton does better?
I don’t think many people would’ve expected Scott Laughton to steal the spotlight from one of the greatest of all time, but it’s exactly what he did.
Ovie may have moved into 7th overall in NHL history in career goals this past Thursday, and the ageless wonder put up a further four points against the Flyers today. But it was Laughton who was the talk of the town, recording his first-ever NHL hat trick. Prior to today, he had only five two-goal games on his resume. Having been in the league since 2009, that first hat-trick must feel pretty good.
Laughton now has 9 points on the season and a +6 rating, which leads the team alongside Joel Farabee and Ivan Provorov.
