Who else’s night could it be then Salem, New Jersey native Johnny Gaudreau? Despite a strong third period push from the Flyers, the Blue Jackets snap a five-game losing streak at Philadelphia’s expense. Let’s wrap on the loss.
First Period
Minus: The Flyers were charged with six giveaways in this game, but at the 3:53 mark of the opening period, Johnny Gaudreau put one of them in Philadelphia’s net. Forward Owen Tippett – who has played well of late – attempted to throw a puck cross-ice when it was snuffed out perfectly by Columbus defensemen Zach Werenski in the neutral zone. Werenski then quickly pivoted from defense to offense and found Gaudreau, who then scampered into the Flyers zone and blistered a shot passed the glove hand of Carter Hart.
Plus: Nick Deslauriers once again attempted to swing some momentum back in the Flyers favor with a well-timed fight with Mathieu Olivier. It appeared to give Philly a short boost, before giving up a second goal in the contest.
Minus: In another attempt to throw the puck cross-ice, Owen Tippett again made a mistake that led to a goal, as this time, the poor decision led to a 3-on-1 break for the Blue Jackets the other way. This time, it was Werenski that finished off the play, as Gaudreau attempted a pass that was deflected by a diving Travis Sanheim. The puck ended up on Werenski’s stick and then, in the net at the 12:13 mark of the period.
Second Period
Minus: Instead of driving play forward, the Flyers attempted several, low percentage passing plays and going east/west with the puck throughout the period and really, the game. One such play led to the Blue Jackets’ second 3-on-1 break after a Konecny turnover in the opening seconds of the middle frame at the Flyers blueline. Philadelphia would get a goal back though from Tony DeAngelo at 13:04.
Third Period
Plus: With the Blue Jackets losing both defensemen Zach Werenski and Erik Gudbranson to injuries in the second period, the Flyers were able to ratchet up some pressure in the final period. At the 8:41 mark of the final frame, Philadelphia would score on an Ivan Provorov redirection attempt at the far post from Travis Konecny. It was Provorov’s first of the season, but that’s not an indication of how good he has been this season for Philadelphia at both ends of the rink.
Quick Hits
- Morgan Frost and Tanner Laczynski would both be used sparsely in this one, as both players logged just over eight minutes of total ice time for the game.
- Travis Konecny continues to be the Flyers most dangerous offensive player, adding another assist tonight. He’s currently riding a four-game point streak (1G, 4A) with six points over that span.
- Tonight’s loss marks Carter Hart’s first regulation loss of the season. He’s been unsolvable for most teams in his nine starts this season, but tonight he received little support or at least, less support than usual.
What’s Next
The Flyers return to action on Saturday afternoon for a 1:00 puckdrop when they welcome Claude Giroux and the Ottawa Senators to town. The contest will mark Giroux’s first game back in Philadelphia since his trade to Florida last season.
