A closely contested effort between the Philadelphia Flyers and the New York Rangers rookies required bonus time. For the first time, before the preseason arrives, we have overtime hockey!
Any victory serves as a cause for celebration for the Flyers. Last year, Philadelphia defeated the Rangers in the first of the rookie series. So far, so good as they go for the rookie series sweep.
Ian Laperriere spoke to the media ahead of tonight’s clash. He noted Samuel Ersson to start Saturday. He also acknowledged Zayde Wisdom’s hard work, focusing on conditioning ahead of his second run with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. Elliot Desnoyers cited his preparation for the 2022 Flyers Rookie Camp as a nod to the 2022 IIHF World Juniors. He and Tyson Foerster captured gold during the 2022 IIHF World Juniors for Team Canada, then made a positive impression in this victory.
Jonathan Lemieux took over without surrendering a goal, standing tall in a 2-1 victory.
First Period
Laperriere had to be proud of his lineup.
“They did work hard, and that was my message. I can live with mistakes, but as long as you work hard, everybody’s going to be happy. I talked to the management after the game and they were happy with the effort.”
Ian Laperriere; 9/16/2022
Noah Cates and Jackson Cates buzzed with Foerster. Noah wasn’t flashy, but he routinely extended possessions in the offensive zone by winning the race to the puck and battles along the boards. He has the best chance to crack the Flyers roster of the forwards attending the rookie camp.
Desnoyers popped on the ice, too. Similar to N. Cates, Desnoyers demonstrated great forechecking in the offensive zone. His effort generated a high-quality scoring chance for Wisdom, but Dylan Garand made the save. His adjustment from the 2022 IIHF World Juniors to the 2022 Flyers Rookie Camp seems smooth.
“I came here ready. I wanted to prove some stuff, and I think I did the right thing. Tomorrow is going to be another one and I need to bring more.”
Elliot Desnoyers; 9/16/2022
Remember when Wade Allison accepted a fight during the 2021 Flyers Rookie Camp versus the Rangers? Adam Ginning followed in his footsteps versus Jayden Grubbe, a 2021 third-round selection. Ginning eventually wrestled Grubbe to the ice. Following the fight, the first period finished scoreless.
Second Period
Throughout the majority of regulation, Philadelphia dictated the pace. They didn’t break onto the scoreboard first, however. That distinction belongs to the Rangers, a testament to their powerplay unit.
Mikael Huchette, a camp invite, served for holding. Matthew Robertson scored the powerplay goal to provide a 1-0 lead for the Rangers.
Laperriere kept feeding his first-line ice time. Foerster and the Cates Brothers continued to buzz, but those opportunities hadn’t translated to points. Possessing a wicked shot, Foerster couldn’t beat Garand. Eventually, the goaltenders switched. Garand outdueled Nolan Meier, but the tide soon changed.
Before the end of the second period, Olle Lycksell scored the equalizer, 1-1.
Third Period
With Foerster on the ice, the Flyers looked to finish through him. Opportunities continued aplenty, but Talyn Boyko preserved the knotted score.
Philadelphia assumed their dominance to begin the third period. Alexis Gendron, the lone representative of Philadelphia’s 2022 NHL Entry Draft class, nearly scored what would’ve been the game-winner on a breakaway. Boyko denied that chance.
Goaltending kept the 1-1 score at the end of regulation, despite the Flyers leading the shot battle, 33-19.
Overtime
I love overtime hockey!
Laperriere sent out the Cates Brothers with Ethan Samson. Ahead of tonight’s game, I highlighted these players. Of course, the Cates Brothers remained consistent.
Foerster, the Cates Brothers’ partner in crime, scored the game-winner. Finally, the hard work paid off with a 2-1 win.
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(Photo by Joshua Sarner/Icon Sportswire)
