The Philadelphia Flyers are 2-0-0 on the road following their recent 2-1 victory over the Vancouver Canucks.
Twice, the Flyers were underdogs. They visited an undefeated Edmonton Oilers team and won, 5-3. Last night, Philadelphia suffocated the Vancouver Canucks, 2-1.
Without Ryan Ellis, the defensive unit is filling in nicely, sticking to their roles. Martin Jones‘ trajectory through two games has been a sight to behold, pleasantly surprising everyone.
Jaroslav Halak started for the Canucks. He played on his heels most of the night. Claude Giroux and Sean Couturier created scoring chances all night. Overall, they’re the catalyst to another Flyers’ win.
First Period
Both teams scored on the first shots taken.
Travis Konecny stretched a beautiful pass to Sean Couturier, hovering in the slot. In one motion, Couturier tucked the puck between the inside of the post. In 0:22, the Philadelphia Flyers took a 1-0 lead.
Quinn Hughes had something to say about it. He went bar down on Martin Jones, causing the puck to bounce off Jones before crossing the goal line.
Tied 1-1; the Flyers top-five powerplay unit converted to retake the lead. Joel Farabee drew an interference penalty on Hughes. Claude Giroux and Couturier planned a beautiful angle pass off the backboard, finishing with a cross-crease assist to James van Riemsdyk. I mentioned that the third line could come alive. Instead of my prediction of Oskar Lindblom, van Riemsdyk broke through with the man-advantage.
“That line’s been very efficient for us. I love the speed, I love the energy.”
Alain Vigneault; 10/28/2021
Philadelphia led on the scoreboard and in shots on goal. The difference between the first and second periods was night and day. The Flyers dominated the first period. Could they keep the momentum in the second, unlike their first clash versus the Vancouver Canucks?
Second Period
Besides Martin Jones, another familiar face returning against the Vancouver Canucks was Zack MacEwen. As advertised, he wasn’t shy about dropping the gloves.
MacEwen took on a former Philadelphia Flyer, Luke Schenn. Both traded quick, heavy hands while standing. Schenn had his visor grabbed, which is unsportsmanlike conduct from MacEwen. Overall, McEwen took down Schenn. Technically, the Canucks benefited, heading to the powerplay.
Jones continued to stand on his head, making save after save. The Flyers did not allow a single powerplay goal. Helping on the cause was Sean Couturier, showing why he’s an annual Frank J. Selke candidate.
Vancouver controlled the second period on the powerplay, possessing the puck considerably.
Third Period
Again, Martin Jones continued to look great.
“He was an all-star tonight.”
Alain Vigneault; 10/28/2021
He received some help from Travis Sanheim and Rasmus Ristolainen in the third period. In a sequence, Brock Boeser was looking for an avenue, but Sanheim took away the shooting lane. Boeser connected a pass to Tyler Myers, but his shot was blocked by Ristolainen. Boeser and Myers teamed up to produce a high-percentage opportunity. Ristolainen and Sanheim stayed home and remained patient.
Claude Giroux and Sean Couturier continued to facilitate powerplay chances. Couturier almost had another goal, but the puck sailed just wide. Jaroslav Halak played deep into the net, giving Couturier a brilliant look at the net.
With less than a minute and a half left in regulation, Jones put the exclamation point on his performance. Boeser challenged Jones all game long with heavy shots, but Jones turned him away each time.
Up Next
Next, the Philadelphia Flyers arrive at their final stop of the western Canada road trip, visiting the Calgary Flames. The puck drops at 10pm tomorrow!
Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire
