Christian Dvorak picked up two assists and the Flyers erased a two-goal deficit, but Tim Stützle scored one of his two goals in overtime as Ottawa defeated the Flyers on Saturday. Let’s wrap:
Pregame: Carl Grundström Recalled From Phantoms
News broke on Friday that the Flyers have recalled forward Carl Grundström from the Phantoms. The club also returned goaltender Aleksei Kolosov to the Phantoms now that Sam Ersson is healthy. Remember, the Flyers acquired the Swedish forward along with defensemen Artem Guryev for Ryan Ellis back in October. Grundström, who is best known for his physical play and a plus shot, registered three goals and three assists in 11 games played in Leigh Valley this season.
He logged 10:17 of total ice time on 15 shifts in his debut with the Flyers on Saturday, skating alongside of Noah Cates and Travis Konecny.
Sleepy Start (Again)
The Flyers took a bit to gain their footing once again, falling behind early in yet another game. Tim Stützle opened the scoring at the 5:14 mark of the first period with a one-time, slap shot. Then, Michael Amadio found the back of the net 1:05 afterwards on a backhand move from the slot that beat Sam Ersson glove side. Both goals were collected before the Flyers even registered a shot on goal.
“This is two games now that the other team comes out stronger than us and out-battles us and makes it hard on us to come back,” Sean Couturier said. “As much as it could’ve been a frustrating day, we didn’t give them a whole lot after the first. It was still a big point.”
Shot suppression was key for the Flyers game from the first period forward. Philadelphia was able to hold Ottawa to just 13 shots on goal for the game, including just one shot in the third period. Despite this, it still took the Flyers a tad too long to start turning the tide after falling behind. Perhaps the players are still trying to nail down the nuances of Rick Tocchet’s system, but nevertheless, the Flyers have to get out to better starts. Chasing as many games as they have this early in the year, will tax the club later on.
“I’ve got to do a better job of getting the team ready,” Tocchet said. “Because we’re chasing after that.”
Michkov Muscles, Drysdale Delivers
Matvei Michkov and Jamie Drysdale scored for the Flyers with each goal being important ones for the players’ individually. Michkov is looking more and more comfortable with each passing game and now has tallies in back to back contests.
“In the beginning of the season I lost concentration. With every game I’m feeling better and better,” Michkov told the media postgame.
One could tell, especially with how he has scored in his last two games. Michkov is back to creating space, initiating contact and perhaps most important, carrying the puck to prime scoring real estate. He’s been rewarded for that so far.
Drysdale, on the other hand, is starting to see some tangible rewards for his quietly impressive two-way game of late. The 23-year-old defender has already been one of the Flyers better puck retrieval and puck movers, but is now beginning to become a better all-around rearguard. With his goal, Drysdale now has seven points in 15 games played this season.
They Said It
Rick Tocchet on Matvei Michkov’s game: “It was probably the best he’s skated this year. I feel him playing the left side makes him play faster. It’s making him go forward; when your own your offside sometimes you take the puck back, I think he looks faster.”
Jamie Drysdale on the message after the first period: “Honestly, I’d say it’s more just figuring out our game. When we play with the puck more, they’ll get less chances so it wasn’t too much X’s and O’s, it was more just we have to better. It’s a crappy period, leave it behind and we know we can be a lot better.”
Travis Konecny on Noah Juulsen’s physical presence: “Guys like that, they do that every night. They get the guys engaged, it just stood out tonight. Fantastic teammate and key to us winning games.”
Did You Know?
According to NHL stats, Trevor Zegras picked up an assist on a fourth game-tying goal in the third period this season. Entering this contest, the only other player to factor in on more is Lane Hutson of the Montreal Canadiens (4).
On Deck
The Flyers will return to action on Wednesday, November 12th, when they play host to Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers at the Xfinity Mobile Arena. The game will be broadcast locally on NBCSP with puckdrop set for 7:30 p.m.
