Connor McDavid registered a goal and four assists, as the Oilers defeated the Flyers on Tuesday night. Philly has now lost five of their last six games. Let’s wrap:
The Connor McDavid Show
The Oilers captain become the fifth-fastest NHL player to 900 career points in Edmonton’s win. He also recorded his 35th career four-point game, which trails only Sidney Crosby for most among active players, according to NHL stats. What more can be said? The Flyers had no answers for the electric McDavid in this one. He was his usual, dominant self and powered his team to victory.
Cam Atkinson Struggles Continue; Decision Looming
Cam Atkinson ranked second among all Flyers forwards in ice time tonight. It’s fair to question if his ice-time was warranted, as the veteran forward is mired in a career-long goalless drought and took a costly penalty late in the second period that resulted in a goal against. Atkinson’s powerplay opportunities have not bore much fruit either, though that could probably be said for entire unit at this point.
With Noah Cates set to return from injury, the Flyers will need to pull one forward out of the lineup. There’s certainly a case that could be made for Cam. He’s struggled mightily for a good while now. We’ll see if John Tortorella will make the difficult decision to sit a player he’s clearly developed an admiration for over the years.
Farabee Promoted to First Line
Joel Farabee picked up two assists in the loss, and looked rather comfortable along side Travis Konecny and Sean Couturier. For a majority of the season, Farabee has been a plus player for Philly at even strength so it was nice to see him play well in an expanded role.
Did you Know?
Marc Staal (36 years, 354 days) scored his first goal with the Flyers and became the sixth-oldest Flyers defenseman at the time of his first goal with the team.
On Deck
The Flyers finally return home on Thursday, when they host the lowly Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday.
