Following an overtime victory against the Seattle Kraken, the Philadelphia Flyers met the San Jose Sharks in their second back-to-back game.
The Sharks had a day to reset between games. They defeated the Arizona Coyotes, 8-7, on Tuesday. Between that time, the Flyers began their west-coast road trip. Historically, San Jose hasn’t been kind to Philadelphia, who are 2-8 in their last ten when visiting.
Yet, the Flyers must dig deep; they’re fighting to keep a points streak alive. Philadelphia must be opportunistic to climb back up the standings. Winning the ones within reach matters.
“We came into this trip with the understanding that we’re going to have to battle. We’re going to have to scratch and claw in order to get points; in order to get wins.”
Mike Yeo; 12/31/2021
Could they do the improbable? Did the Flyers earn the victory on the road against the Sharks?
First Period
Felix Sandstrom made his NHL debut. Throughout the evening, he remained “steady,” as Morgan Frost would put it. While he occupied the crease for the Philadelphia Flyers, the San Jose Sharks paid tribute to the goaltender on the bench, serving as tonight’s backup.
The Flyers led when Frost completed a one-timer off a no-look pass from Travis Konecny. Konecny, Frost, and Oskar Lindblom were buzzing at the end of the first period.
Philadelphia finished the period 2/2 on the penalty kill due to Sandstrom. Joel Farabee was noticeably physical in the first period, jumping into shooting lanes to make defensive contributions. Mostly, San Jose dictated the pace. Did the Flyers capitalize on their early lead?
Second Period
No, the Philadelphia Flyers couldn’t capitalize on their lead. The second period was a busy one of the defensive pairing of Keith Yandle and Nick Seeler. Considering how the bottom fell out, it wasn’t a good time.
Credit where it is due, Seeler did try to keep a fire by fighting Jeffrey Truchon-Viel.
Then, the Flyers were on the powerplay. Keith Yandle couldn’t handle the puck cleanly, turning it over to Logan Couture. Yes, the San Jose Sharks tied the game on a short-handed goal. More alarming were the scoring opportunities the Sharks had to add another shortie. After killing the penalty, Brent Burns quickly scored to give San Jose the 2-1 lead.
These second-period woes continue to haunt Philadelphia. The Sharks had momentum thoroughly in hand, and I continued to question why Seeler replaced Kevin Connauton.
Third Period
Against the Seattle Kraken, it was “win a period, win the game.” On the road against the San Jose Sharks, it was “win a period, force overtime.” Nonetheless, the Philadelphia Flyers’ point streak stays intact.
Kevin Hayes took a big, clean hit from Radim Simek to begin the period. Not an ideal start for the Flyers, who need to swing momentum in their favor by being opportunistic.
Eventually, Philadelphia had a 5v3 powerplay opportunity, but they only mustered a couple of shots. A downright poor powerplay effort on the evening should have doomed the Flyers in regulation. Felix Sandstrom and the penalty kill remained “steady.” Joel Farabee rewarded Sandstrom for his effort.
Keith Yandle made an opportunistic play in the defensive zone, sparking an offensive push and shot on goal from Farabee, tying the game 2-2.
For the second straight night in a back-to-back, Philadelphia competed in overtime. The Flyers arrived at their team hotel this morning at 4:30am. Mike Yeo made it clear to focus on the positives. A point in forcing overtime keeps Philadelphia in the Eastern Conference playoff picture.
“Our players didn’t get into their hotel rooms until after 4:30am in back-to-back games against a team in their own beds at home last night, watching us play. Tonight, I’m going to definitely focus on the positives. Definitely saw some tired mistakes, but I thought the will and compete was there all night.”
Mike Yeo; 12/31/2021
Overtime
How nice would it be for Tomas Hertl to join the Philadelphia Flyers? It’s mostly all I thought about during the overtime period. He was on the money with the puck at the crease, scoring tonight’s game-winning goal for the San Jose Sharks.
Felix Sandstrom played about as well as anyone could ask of him. It’s simply not encouraging to see the Flyers outplayed since the league returned from its pause.
“Disappointed in not getting the win. It was great experience and fun to play on a big stage.”
Felix Sandstrom; 12/31/2021
Up Next
Next, the Philadelphia Flyers travel to battle the Los Angeles Kings on New Year’s Day. Faceoff at 10:30pm.
(Photo by Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire)
