10 different players registered a point, while Dan Vladar stopped 33 shots in arguably the Flyers best offensive performance of the season. Let’s wrap:
Fitting Praise
Prior to the game, the Flyers opened the night with a very touching tribute video for the late Bernie Parent. Perhaps the most emotional part, however, was when the team placed Parent’s signature white goalie mask on a top Dan Vladar’s empty net. Throughout the game, the club aired countless interviews with former players and teammates sharing their memories of the legendary goaltender. Between those short clips during intermissions, the Flyers also had aired several photos of Parent with fans as well.
All in all the night was, as Bernie would put it, a beautiful thing.
Again, Again and Again
After falling behind 1-0 in yet another first period, the Flyers responded with a literal history making period. Firstly, Noah Cates got the Flyers on the board after Devils’ goaltender Jake Allen kicked out a large rebound on a Yegor Zamula shot from the slot.
Then, the fun started.
Matvei Michkov gave Philadelphia the lead after Sean Couturier sprung the young Russian on a breakaway. Not to be outdone, Tyson Foerster scored twice in 17 seconds to the bust the game wide open and give the Flyers a 4-1 first period lead. All in the matter of 0:26 seconds.
“It’s a big thing,” Rick Tocchet said. “That team can come back and they tried. They had some chances there, that’s why you have to bear down, stay structured in your system but it was nice to have that killer instinct.”
According to the club, the three goals are the Fastest three goals in Flyers history. Additionally, the three-tally barrage ties the fifth-fastest three goals by one team in NHL history.
(Vla)dar for the Course
In the most fitting way possible, Dan Vladar shined on Bernie Parent tribute night. The 28-year-old Czech goalkeeper turned away 32 saves on 35 New Jersey shots in the win.
“I thought Vladdy was excellent tonight,” Tocchet said. “They had some really good chances.”
It was good to see the Flyers provide more than enough offense for Vladar as he’s been a key contributor in the team’s early season success. He didn’t need to be perfect, but when Philadelphia’s play sagged in front of him and the Devils were beginning to create plays, he was quite good. Vladar now owns a 2.42 goals against average and a .912 save percentage through 13th starts this season.
“Just timely saves with him this whole season honestly,” Noah Cates said. “He’s been huge for us. In the locker-room, on the ice, just stability for us. When it gets a little hectic there, a couple big saves to keep us focused and not chasing things.”
They Said It
Tocchet on the Emil Andrae/Jamie Drysdale pairing: “I thought Drysdale was our best player tonight. I don’t know if we can even see the stats, but for defending, he was our best defender by far. Andrae too. He’s not afraid to go into the corners. I thought those two guys were really defending hard.”
Tyson Foerster on the Flyers First period: “We still gave up the first one, which isn’t great, but we bounced back really quick. Fastest three in Flyers history so that’s pretty cool.”
Cates on playing with Travis Konecny: “He obviously adds a different element. He makes plays on the wall so well. He’s crafty and one of our better players so you just work with him. I played with him a couple years ago so we got some chemistry and it’s coming back. Just got to get him the puck because he makes things happen.”
Did You Know?
According to NHL stats, Tyson Forester’s two, first period goals in 17 seconds makes him the fourth-fastest player to score two goals that quickly in Flyers history. The others are Ron Flockhart (0:08 on Dec. 6, 1981), Jeff Carter (0:13 on Jan. 8, 2008) and Ron Sutter (0:15 on Feb. 17, 1986).
On Deck
The Flyers will return to action on Monday, November 24th, to begin a four game road trip in Tampa Bay against the Lightning. The game is set for a 7:00 p.m. puck drop and will be broadcast locally on NBCSP.
