The Philadelphia Flyers (24-14-6) visited the Enterprise Center on Monday with plans of sweeping their road trip and sweeping their road trip they did. A dominant effort by the ‘Orange and Black’ saw them defeat the St. Louis Blues (21-19-2), 4-2.
“To just be consistent and continue to work with one another, I think is the biggest thing for us to move forward.”
Ryan Poehling; 1/15/2024
A fourth consecutive win made for collecting six of six points on the road, and the Flyers are buzzing. The road trip included a shutout effort against the Winnipeg Jets on Saturday, and the Flyers didn’t take their foot off the gas heading into Missouri.
Philadelphia Flyers at St. Louis Blues
After a scoreless first period, the Flyers outshot the Blues 13-9. Carter Hart and Joel Hofer battled in their respective creases and prevented scoring chances when their teams went on the penalty kill. Owen Tippett came into the game buzzing, finishing the first 20 minutes with five shots on goal.
Just 1:03 into the second period, Scott Laughton provided the first goal. Laughton buried home a rebound created by Garnet Hathaway to score his fourth of the season.
With 1:41 remaining in the second, the Blues capitalized on a powerplay to even the game. Hathaway was sent to the box for high sticking, and Oskar Sundqvist tucked home a rebound in front of Hart.
But shortly after, with 6.2 seconds remaining, Ryan Poehling took the lead back for the Flyers. His fifth goal of the year, he batted home a goal after the puck bounced off of Hofer’s glove. Entering the final 20 minutes, the Flyers were in the driver’s seat.
Brandon Saad equalized for the Blues just 1:18 into the third period. Entering the offensive zone, Saad collected a pass from Brayden Schenn that managed to redirect off Poehling’s stick that was on the ice and beat Hart, glove side.
With 5:33 left, Tippett finally found the back of the net, giving the Flyers a 3-2 lead. His fourth goal in the last five games, Tippett danced around Justin Faulk before backhanding the puck above Hofer’s shoulder.
Joel Farabee added the dagger with an empty-netter during the final minute, his 15th goal of the year.
Highlight Reel Tippett
Tippett is on an absolute heater with four goals in his last five games. He hounded Hofer, peppering the goaltender with ten shots, and showed he possesses the skills to help take over games. His highlight reel game-winning goal showcased that ability in full force:
“It was just one of those ones that opened up. Obviously, I was looking shot first. [Defenseman] stood up, and made himself small, and I was able to get around him.”
Owen Tippett; 1/15/2024
Not only is he scoring goals, but he’s making plays. Tippett is becoming a deadly force on the powerplay, and at even strength, finishing chances in crucial moments.
“Like I said the other night, if he [Tippett] hits the net more, he [would] probably have five or six more goals right now. He’s one of those athletes that develops on his own; he has the chance to be a really good player.”
John Tortorella; 1/15/2024
Climbing The Standings
Now, the Flyers are second in the NHL Metropolitan Division with 54 points, jumping ahead of the Carolina Hurricanes. They’ve also cracked into the top 10 overall teams in the NHL, placing ninth in the standings.
Beginning a four-game homestand on Thursday, the Flyers continue to be tested by some of the top competition in the NHL. Keeping consistent is critical to maintaining this pace, as Poehling mentioned.
Up Next
Next, the Philadelphia Flyers return to the Wells Fargo Center to host the Dallas Stars on Thursday at 7pm.
(AP Photo/Scott Kane)
