Streaks start at two. Stringing a couple of victories together gives momentum.
Here are two teams who snapped a losing streak the last time out. The Winnipeg Jets won following a six-game snoozer. The Philadelphia Flyers remembered what winning felt like after their second double-digit losing streak of the season. Tonight, someone will begin streaking.
How did February begin in the City of Brotherly Love?
First Period
Kyle Connor unleashed a one-timer on Carter Hart with 19:12 remaining. Cole Perfetti drove the rush, earning the assist on the play. Hart was spreading thin, unable to cover every gap. Another slow start put the Flyers behind on the scoreboard.
Morgan Frost did find his way into the lineup, playing through an illness. Jackson Cates would have filled in, per Mike Yeo.
After going down a goal early, Philadelphia jumped back into the mix, creating scoring chances of their own. Cam Atkinson made himself known, as did Scott Laughton. Laughton drew a penalty from his hustle into the offensive zone.
The Flyers didn’t convert on two powerplay chances late in the period, but the momentum shifted in their favor.
Second Period
Hart continued to give Philadelphia a chance. He made an incredible save on the same scoring chance Connor had in the game’s first minute. His efforts with Ivan Provorov and Max Willman closed out another successful penalty kill.
When the defense tightened, the offense opened. James van Riemsdyk forced a turnover in the offensive zone, recovered by Travis Konecny. A moment later, Konecny tied the game, 1-1. A snipe beat Connor Hellebuyck, who was a brick wall earlier.
Konecny and Brenden Dillon were getting chippy after the second period expired. Heading into the final period, the Flyers were in another “win a period, win a game” situation.
“Felt good to get one back; get the team back in it.”
Travis Konecny; 2/1/2022
Third Period
Willman continues to act as the pulse of Philadelphia. His gusto into the forecheck on dump-and-chase methods was noticeable. Since he’s arrived on the Flyers, he routinely curates scoring opportunities.
Pierre-Luc DuBois nearly snuck the puck under Hart’s foot, but the save stands. Except for the first minute of regulation, Hart was perfect. Laughton remained consistent, pacing the action. His efforts reflected on a two-on-one rush. James van Riemsdyk gathered the rebound, pounding the puck past Hellebuyck for the lead.
Shortly after, Oskar Lindblom put the icing on the cake, scoring the empty-net goal. Philadelphia is now on a two-game winning streak, winning 3-1.
Up Next
Next, the Philadelphia Flyers are on the NHL All-Star break. After, they’ll host the Detroit Red Wings on February 9th, 2022, at 7pm.
(Photo Credit: Alex McIntyre)
