It seems like the Flyers took the local delicacy of Buffalo, the “Garbage Plate,” a little too seriously. They lose another game, tallying the losing streak to eleven straight. Philadelphia plays the Sabres three times this season, which is a big change from the eight matchups a year ago. This game was another “must-win” for the season, but it looks like the “tank train” is in full effect.
A lot of eyes were on rookies Wade Allison, making his season debut, and Cam York, who seems to be finding his place in the NHL roster. Rasmus Ristolainen returned to Buffalo for the first time since being traded, and former Flyer, Robert Hägg, opposed Philadelphia for the first time in his career.
The goaltender battle featured Martin Jones head-to-head against Michael Houser.
First Period
The Sabres came out the gate swinging, Jeff Skinner pots one in just 1:29 into the first. The Flyers were obviously deflated from that goal, taking more than two minutes before even getting offensive control of the puck. Robert Hägg laid a big hit on former Sabre, Rasmus Ristolainen, which was later answered by “Risto” with his first goal against his former team (his second of the season).
Finding their footing, the Flyers took control, dominating for the next three minutes. The mighty captain, Claude Giroux, tips one in from a slapshot from Ivan Provorov, giving the Flyers their first lead of the game. At this point, the game seemed completely different from the first half of this period. Philadelphia had offensive momentum, not giving the puck away often. It seemed like it would be the first win of 2022.
Zack MacEwen served a minor penalty. Tage Thompson scored a powerplay goal from Tuch and Skinner, who won neutral zone battles. Yeo challenged for offsides. The refs took more than three minutes to review, but to everyone’s surprise, the ruling was upheld. Buffalo had another powerplay and scored.
Flyers were beyond deflated at this point, and two minutes after the Skinner powerplay goal, Peyton Krebs scored his first NHL goal. Jones was done, and Hart headed onto the ice with two minutes left.
Buffalo led in shots (10-9) and the score (4-2.)
Second Period
Peyton Krebs served a minor penalty for tripping, giving the Flyers their first powerplay of the game. After two minutes, only one shot on goal was recorded.
Almost immediately after the powerplay, Krebs gets his second-ever NHL goal. Sabres now led the Flyers 5-2.
Later, Travis Konecny tallies a big hit on Skinner, causing Rasmus Dahlin to draw a roughing penalty and send out the Philadelphia powerplay. Once again, the powerplay was unsuccessful.
As if things couldn’t get worse for the Flyers, Allison looked to have reinjured himself. He’s coming off injury already, which is why it took so long for him to be called up in the first place, so seeing this is extremely concerning.
Flyers and Sabres ended the second with the same amount of shots (16-16,) but Buffalo led, 5-2.
Third Period
Buffalo controlled Philadelphia, much like the second period. Lacking puck control and confidence, the Flyers played the majority of the first ten minutes in their defensive zone. Gerry Mayhew was served for high-sticking, leading to another Sabres powerplay goal by Skinner. Buffalo led, 6-2, with under fifteen minutes to go. Today was the first time the Sabres scored more than five goals in a game this season.
Dahlin served a penalty for holding MacEwen. The Flyers’ only beacon of light, captain Claude Giroux, scored his second goal ten seconds into the powerplay.
Philadelphia led in shot totals but crumbled 6-3. The losing streak continues, eleven games strong.
Coming Up…
The Philadelphia Flyers return to Broad Street to host the Dallas Stars, who have won their past two games, on January 24th, at 7pm.
(Gavin Baker/Icon Sportswire)
