Concluding their second back-to-back of the week, the Philadelphia Flyers (4-2-0) were shutout by the San Jose Sharks (2-6-0) in South Philadelphia, 3-0.
Before the game began, the Philadelphia Phillies clinched a World Series berth, but the momentum from Citizens Bank Park didn’t carry over to the Wells Fargo Center.
van Riemsdyk doesn’t return
In the first period, James van Riemsdyk went down the tunnel after blocking a shot with his glove. He didn’t return. This season, van Riemsdyk accumulated five points (2G, 3A) in six games. His injury remained unconfirmed:
“I have not talked to the trainers yet, no.”
John Tortorella; 10/23/2022
The Flyers are still without Cam Atkinson, Owen Tippett, Sean Couturier, Patrick Brown, and Bobby Brink. Adding van Riemsdyk to that list, if the injury is lasting, will create another hole in the offense in general, especially on the powerplay.
Tortorella makes a statement
Kevin Hayes and Travis Konecny didn’t play a single second of the third period. Both players were sitting in the middle of the bench next to the defenseman. They are the leading scorers for Philadelphia.
It was clear that John Tortorella wasn’t pleased with their efforts, which resulted in ice time being slashed:
“I’m just going to keep that in the room,” said Tortorella following the game about benching Hayes and Konecny.
In both back-to-back series, the Flyers won the first game, then lost the second. The Sharks were also on a back-to-back, losing to the New Jersey Devils on Saturday. They also ranked as the worst team in the NHL before the opening faceoff. Both teams were on the back end of a back-to-back, and turnovers resulted in another failed attempt at a sweep:
“Turnovers. Turnovers. We have to learn how to play back-to-back games. We’ve played two sets of back-to-backs. In our second game, we absolutely don’t give ourselves a chance because of turnovers.”
John Tortorella; 10/23/2022
In fact, Tortorella summed up his thoughts on the team’s performance in a few words:
“Our whole performance sucked.”
John Tortorella; 10/23/2022
Philadelphia outshot San Jose, 30-25, but couldn’t find the back of the net.
Sandstrom still searching for a win
Giving Carter Hart the night off, Felix Sandstrom started for the second time this season. It was his seventh career NHL start, and he’s still chasing his first victory.
“You can’t control everything, but you just got to keep battling and keep doing your work. Eventually, it’s going to turn around. That’s the mindset I’m having. I’m just going to keep battling hard and at practice. It will come.”
Felix Sandstrom; 10/23/2022
Sandstrom saved 22/24 shots in his performance to keep the Flyers in the game. Steven Lorentz put the Sharks up by two after miscommunication on a pass from Sandstrom to Tony DeAngelo. The puck worked up the boards to the blue line where Jaycob Megna shot, allowing Lorentz to deflect a goal.
“Yeah, it was a bad play from me. I should be able to put a better pass, so he can handle it right away. Bit of a screw-up there, and unfortunately that’s a goal.”
Felix Sandstrom; 10/23/2022
Overall, his performance was better versus the Sharks than against the Florida Panthers. Sandstrom owns a record of 0-2-0 in 2022-2023 with a 3.14GAA and a 90%SV.
Tortorella benches Hayes and Konecny
Mentioned earlier, these are the top scorers in the lineup. Tortorella made it clear that he wouldn’t resist benching talented players in the lineup if they didn’t meet his standard. He preached accountability throughout training camp, and he’s sticking to it.
“He’s been honest about that since day one of camp. Doesn’t matter who you are, you got to play the right way. If we weren’t doing the right things tonight; and I know I was out there for two goals, I had some mistakes tonight. It’s his decision.”
Travis Konecny; 10/23/2022
Aside from van Riemsdyk, Hayes spent the least amount of time on the ice. He kept his answer short regarding his third period:
“Haven’t talked to him [Tortorella]. I don’t think he was too happy with my game, if I had to guess.”
Kevin Hayes; 10/23/2022
Up Next
Next, the Philadelphia Flyers host the Florida Panthers on Thursday at 7pm.
(AP Photo/Laurence Kesterson)
