The Flyers improve their Metropolitan Division record to 6-7-1 with their Monday night victory over the New Jersey Devils. Let’s wrap on all the sights and sounds of the contest:
Gone in 28 Seconds
Bobby Brink and Joel Farabee got the Flyers going in this one, each scoring in a span of 28 seconds to give Philly a deserved 2-0 lead. This is the second-fastest two goals by Philly this season. Owen Tippett twice scored just 23 seconds apart on December 5th against the Panthers, if you remember. It was key for the Flyers to jump out to an early lead against a quality opponent like New Jersey, even if they were missing some impact players like Nico Hischier and Jacob Markstrom.
“Their a little banged up,” Farabee said. “We knew we had to take advantage. I thought we played pretty well in the first period, gave it back a little in the second, but at the end of the day, we found a way to win.”
Scott Laughton added a goal and an assist, while Travis Konecny and Rasmus Ristolainen each had two assists. Garnet Hathaway scored his seventh goal of the year in the win as well.
“Big game tonight,” Ristolanien said. “Obviously against a division rival, we know every game is super important this time of year.”
Seeler Smash
At the 12:42 mark of the second period, defensemen Nick Seeler crushed Devils forward Nathan Bastian with a hit. It was a violent Collison and New Jersey’s Dougie Hamilton did come to the aid of his teammate after the hit. If you watch the above clip, Seeler makes first contact with Bastian’s head and therefore, he may be getting a call from the department of player safety. Or at least, a fine for the hit.
“I hope the guy isn’t hurt that bad,” John Tortorella said. “I just think sometimes players just aren’t ready to be hit. I’m not criticizing him, I hope he’s okay, but it’s just a hockey hit.”
Seeler is an honest, hard-working player so it’s unlikely this hit was anything other than trying to sperate the player from the puck. In any event, it appears to be at least borderline in today’s NHL and worthy of a second review.
Bastian did not return to the game.
Sam is Sharp
Sam Ersson stopped 31 shots in Philadelphia’s fourth straight home win and is beginning to settle in as the club’s starter. Monday’s 31-save performance matched his season best; Ersson also made 31 saves on 36 shots on January 23 against the Rangers. The Devils’ high octane offense can catch fire quickly with just one goal so maintaining good gaps to manage their speed is the best course for attacking them. However, even when New Jersey was beginning to create chances in the second period, Ersson was strong in goal.
“I thought we did a great job defensively,” Ersson said. “You have to be aware with those top two lines are out there. We keep doing our thing, blocking a lot of shots and that’s leading to our success, I’d say.”
The 25-year-old netminder has allowed three-or-fewer goals in 18-of-26 games played this season. He’ll continue to be the club’s unchallenged number one goaltender, provided he remains healthy.
They Said It
John Tortorella on Sam Ersson’s Mindset: “His mental capacity to evaluate himself and to put it away and get better, he does it all the time.”
Joel Farabee on Scott Laughton’s Leadership: “He’s the guy that keeps everyone together. When he’s at the rink, I think most guys are smiling, laughing at him. He keeps it light and he’s a real good leader for this team.”
Rasmus Ristolainen on Taking the Devils Time and Space Away: “Our plan was to be aggressive, play forward and try to stop pucks before they even get to our zone.”
Sam Ersson on His Delay of Game Penalty: “It was pretty bad. These guys have a pretty good power play too so definitely a credit to the guys on the penalty kill.”
Did You Know?
Per NHL stats, goaltender Sam Ersson improves his career record to 44-30-9 with the Flyers. He therefore ties Pelle Lindbergh for the ninth-most wins by a Flyers goaltender through 90 games with the franchise.
On Deck
The Flyers will run it back with the Devils on Wednesday in New Jersey. The game will be broadcast nationally on TNT and will stream on MAX. Puckdrop is set for 7:00 pm EST.
