The Flyers snap a five game losing skid Saturday night, improving their home ice record to 13-13-1 this season. Let’s wrap on all that took place in the win:
Kuz’s First
Just a 1:44 into the first period, Scott Laughton got the scoring started for Philadelphia with Travis Konecny and newcomer Andrei Kuzmenko picking up the helpers. The play started with Kuzmenko, who made the subtle touch pass off the nearside boards in the defensive zone to Laughton to begin the rush. In fact, Konecny and Kuzmenko played quite well together the entire game. The Russian forward made a number of creative plays with the puck in tight spaces and flashed some skill with a between-the-legs dangle in the second period. In total, Kuzmenko took 18 shifts and logged 18:53 TOI in the win.
“I liked playing with Scott and Travis,” Kuzmenko said. “I hope they liked playing with me too.”
According to NHL stats, Kuzmenko’s assist makes him the fourth-fastest player to earn a point in his Flyers debut. The only players to do so quicker are Al Hill on Feb. 14, 1977 (0:36), Dave Gardner on March 4, 1980 (0:51) and Bob Corkum on Feb. 8, 1996 (1:15)
Super Sam
Sam Ersson turned in one of his better performances of the season on Saturday, making 32 saves on 34 shots in the win. Ersson really has been impressive in net for a few games now, as the young Swede is sporting a gaudy .935 SV% in the month of February. With the success, Ersson seems to be gaining confidence with every start.
“I think it was a big one for sure,” Ersson said. “Kind of gets a little swagger back in the group. Obviously, last week has been a little tough for us and new guys coming in. I think it was big for us to get a little momentum, feel good about this game going into the break and just try to rest up here and get back to it.”
Ersson will be among those representing their country’s in the up-coming Four Nations Face-off tournament, joining teammates Travis Konecny (Canada), Travis Sanheim (Canada) and Rasmus Ristolanien (Finland). John Tortorella will also be apart of the tournament as an assistant coach for team USA. The brief two week round robin will begin on Wednesday on TNT.
A Familiar Face
Former Flyer Kevin Hayes picked up an assist on the Penguins second goal of the game and confusion followed shortly thereafter. At first, the goal was disallowed due to goaltender interference but overturned on video review after Pittsburgh coach Mike Sullivan challenged the call on the ice. The officials never really announced why the play was being reviewed, only that the Pittsburgh was challenging the call. Hayes originally was given the credit for the goal, but then it was later changed to Anthony Beauvillier last getting his stick on the puck.
Easy to follow here of course, right?
They Said It
John Tortorella on Using Sam Ersson Down the Stretch: “Well, we have 25 left, right? He’s going to get a lot of the share of those. I want to see how he stands in there. Last year, he ran out of gas, but the way I use the goalie, I would do the same thing. It was just too much. At that point, I felt in my mind, I thought we had no other choice. You can’t judge him playing him in that string where he struggled. I think we’ll get a better understanding as we play the last 25.”
Travis Konecny on Playing with Kuzmenko: “It was good. He likes to make plays and is the guy that can beat someone one-on-one so I have to read off him.”
Garnet Hathaway on Scoring More this Season: “It’s part of my game I’ve been working on. I’ve watched video with coaches and now it’s working. I think I’ve had more chances and just been around the puck more in the o-zone.”
Did You Know?
According to NHL stats, Travis Konecny reached the 60-point mark with his goal and an assist Saturday for the third consecutive season. The only other Flyers to do so in the past 20 years are Jake Voracek (2016-17 – 2018-19), Claude Giroux (2013-14 –2015-16), Mike Richards (2007-08–2010-11) and Jeff Carter (2008-09–2010-11).
On Deck
The Flyers will be off for two weeks due to the Four Nations Face-off taking place of this year’s All Star Game. They will return to action on February 22nd, when they host Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers.
