After a short pause through Christmas, the Philadelphia Flyers and Seattle Kraken met for the second time in history, but the first time at Climate Pledge Arena.
Earlier this season, the Kraken lost by a handful of goals. In that victory, Travis Konecny got under Seattle’s skin. He kept that narrative, baiting defensemen into extracurricular activity between whistles. The first meeting between these two franchises felt like an excellent “welcome to the NHL” for the new expansion team.
Max Willman, Kevin Hayes, and Morgan Frost joined the roster after clearing COVID protocol. Jamie Oleksiak, Carson Soucy, and Adam Larsson rejoined the Kraken.
Did the Flyers come back with the heat following a cold pause? Who made the plays to win this game? Here’s how it all unfolded:
First Period
Out of the gate, the Philadelphia Flyers were opportunistic. Travis Konecny drew a cross-checking penalty, setting up the first man-advantage chance.
Claude Giroux worked the powerplay from east to west, sneaking a pass central to James van Riemsdyk. Once van Riemsdyk scored, Giroux, securing his 600th assist, became the second all-time scorer in franchise history. His playmaking abilities remain truly valuable.
“Lately, since Yeosy’s taken over, I think I’ve been used a little differently.”
James van Riemsdyk; 12/29/2021
Gerry Mayhew returned the favor, serving a penalty for hooking. The Seattle Kraken cashed in on their powerplay, too. Yanni Gourde rocketed a one-time slapshot from the top of the faceoff circle. By this time, the Kraken had momentum in hand.
Concluding the first period, the score was 1-1.
Second Period
Momentum remained with the Seattle Kraken. The Philadelphia Flyers lacked energy, trailing the shot totals. It’s partially why the Flyers were unable to maintain their first-period lead.
“Not good enough in the first two periods, plain and simple. We talked about coming out of the break that we got to keep it simple, and we just made things way too difficult on ourselves.”
Mike Yeo; 12/29/2021
More than half of the second period elapsed before Philadelphia added a shot on goal. The Kraken controlled the tempo and possessed the puck for most of the second period.
Shot totals favored Seattle, 23-11.
Third Period
Mike Yeo and his lineup overcame different levels of adversity to keep the game tied in the third period.
Travis Konecny committed a penalty, but the penalty kill unit cleared. Then, Yeo challenged goaltender interference against Jaden Schwartz, reversing to no goal.
Martin Jones was unreal throughout. If that goal stood, it would have been devastating. Jones is finding a groove before potentially playing his former team, the San Jose Sharks.
“I’ve played some back-to-backs a few times throughout my career. I’ve done it before. It’s just up to the coaching staff.”
Martin Jones; 12/29/2021
Jeremy Lauzon got his goal back, scoring from the slot. Briefly, the Seattle Kraken took a 2-1 lead. Fifteen seconds later, James van Riemsdyk struck again. Travis Sanheim keeps his incredible vision in the offensive zone, finding van Riemsdyk nearby the goal post to tie, 2-2.
Overtime
By forcing overtime, the Philadelphia Flyers maintain their points streak. Martin Jones and James van Riemsdyk kept the vital signs.
Ivan Provorov kept the dream alive.
Kevin Hayes sent a beautiful breakaway pass to Provorov. Provorov deked Philipp Grubauer out of position, sweeping the game-winner.
Flyers win, 3-2.
Up Next
Next, the Philadelphia Flyers visit the San Jose Sharks on December 30th, 2021. Faceoff takes place at 10:30pm.
Photo Credit: Alex McIntyre
