Is there another nine-game losing streak in the works?
The Philadelphia Flyers (3-8-4) failed to come out on top in either of the back-to-back matchups. The Washington Capitals (7-4-0) handed the Flyers their third straight defeat, controlling the majority of play for a 5-2 victory at Capital One Arena Wednesday night.
History nearly repeated itself as the Flyers were inches away from extinguishing another multi-goal deficit to tie the game late in the third. Matvei Michkov reduced Washington’s lead to one then Trevor Zegras had a golden opportunity on his stick. The 25-year-old’s wrist shot was met by Logan Thompson’s catcher’s mitt that kept the Capitals in front. Jordan Kyrou and the Capitals went the other way to increase the scoring gap before Alex Tuch’s empty-netter put the game to rest.
Again, the running theme and kryptonite of the Flyers—playing a full 60 minutes—haunted them once more. It hasn’t been enjoyable whatsoever playing from behind and not taking advantage early on cost the Orange and Black twice in the span of 24 hours.
“We’ve certainly had some discussions in the locker room especially with our starts, focus levels, compete levels and playing for the crest. That’s what it’s all about. It’s not about getting points. It’s not about, you know, me, me, me, it’s about the team and playing for each other and sacrificing for each other,” Nick Seeler said. “It’s really not that difficult to understand. You play for the guy next to you. That’s what Flyers hockey is all about and when we can start figuring that out at the start of puck drop, we will be a better hockey team.”
For a brief moment it appeared as though the Flyers’ first period woes were turning a corner as they’d scored five goals over a recent three-game stint. Apparently, that was a trick rather than a treat since the glimmer of hope faded as fast as the opposition scoring against Philadelphia. The combination of the Blue Jackets dropping three rapid goals on the Flyers on Tuesday then Tuch following suit instantly the next night isn’t ideal.
With Alexander Ovechkin stuck at one goal, Tuch has been leading the way offensively. Tuch tops the Capitals in goals scored and points and added to those totals just 1:50 into the contest. A big rebound off Joseph Woll came out to him between the hashmarks and the three-time 30-goal scorer made no mistake. Tuch’s lived up to his recent eight-year, $84 mil deal over his initial 11 games. Former Flyers 2018 draft pick Jack St. Ivany picked up the secondary assist too.
The Flyers were fortunate that Tuch was the only Capital to find the back of the net after 20 minutes considering Washington set up shop in Philadelphia’s defensive zone for what felt like the entire opening stanza. Had it not been for Woll turning aside shots, a potential Columbus showing may have transpired in the Nation’s Capital.
Woll ended the night making 25 of 29 saves. His 1-5-2 record and .899 SV% doesn’t reflect his overall performance since the Flyers acquired him in the offseason.
Philadelphia eventually helped out their goaltender when the second period got underway. Seeler’s initial shot was blocked and caromed back onto his tape. His second chance was redirected by an unmarked Sean Couturier down low to put the Flyers on the board. It was the first goal of the year for the Flyers’ captain and longest-tenured player.
The momentum shifted back in the hands of the Capitals as soon as Couturier went through the handshake line. Zegras slashed Tuch in an attempt to prevent his second goal at the time, but another Washington newcomer, Kyrou, broke the tie on the power play.
Aliaksei Protas extended the lead for the Capitals on a wild deflection off Matt Roy’s shot aimed wide, and before the Flyers knew it, they were down two goals looking lifeless.
“At times this year, we’re soft, I would say. Not hard on battles. Lose battles easily. It’s one thing to make mistakes and not win a battle, but if you’re in there trying hard and stuff, that’s different. We definitely need to pick up our physicality,” Couturier said.
Scrambling to get back in the action, the Flyers drew a penalty midway through the third period. Philadelphia can thank some puck luck as Denver Barkey was able to locate Michkov backdoor on a generous bounce off Timothy Liljegen.
Michkov is up to nine goals which is tied for fourth-most in the NHL. Zegras is the closest Flyer to him in scoring with four tallies. Michkov has nine points over his last seven games.
Thompson made 23 saves for the Capitals and the one on Zegras spoiled anything Philadelphia had going for them. The line of Kyrou, Tuch, and Dylan Strome combined for four goals, seven points, and a +5 rating.
Noel Acciari dealt with an apparent head/neck injury after a collision with Martin Fehérváry but returned to play. Jacob Gaucher took an undisciplined instigating penalty. Michael Bunting was a healthy scratch. Travis Konecny missed his tenth game of the year. The options are limited for a potential call up and the Flyers’ current depth isn’t helping their cause too.
The Flyers have the next three days off before welcoming an offensive threat in the Utah Mammoth (8-5-0) on Sunday afternoon to Xfinity Mobile Arena.
FLYERS ALUMNI VEGAS AND IRELAND TRIPS
Flyers Nation and TrueFan Travel have teamed up for two trips with the Flyers Alumni!
The Las Vegas package (March 10–14) includes tickets to Flyers–Golden Knights on March 11 at T-Mobile Arena, an all-inclusive tailgate, optional flights from Philadelphia, a 4-night downtown hotel stay, an alumni pep rally and Q&A, a Flyers vs. Utah watch party, and a meet and greet.
The Ireland Golf & Tour Experience (July 20–27) includes optional flights from Philadelphia, six nights at The Brehon Killarney and Portmarnock Resort, a welcome reception, a meet and greet and Q&A with Brad Marsh, Patrick Sharp, Joe Watson, Bill Clement, Mark Recchi, and John LeClair, a live Coatesy’s Corner, and optional golf at Old Head, Dooks, Portmarnock, and Druids Glen.
Whether you’re chasing a road game in Vegas or a week on the links in Ireland, these are two chances to travel with Flyers legends!
You must be logged in to post a comment Login