Three goals in almost three minutes sunk the Flyers in this one, despite playing the Bruins evenly for forty minutes. Let’s wrap:
Sandstrom Deserved Better Fate, but Needed One More Save
Surrendering six goals in a game isn’t just on the goalie. Especially when the Flyers defensive zone structure was in complete shambles in the final frame of the game. Blown assignments and just general lack of detail hurt them in this game. However, the Flyers battled back multiple times, but couldn’t get the timely save. In this tight of a playoff race, Philly could’ve really even used the one standings point in an overtime loss. More on that in a moment.
York….And Everyone Else
One of the more under-the-radar storylines this season as been the play of Cam York. He’s quietly put together a strong season, showcasing his ability to log big minutes in a top four role. He’s displayed the kind of hockey sense and two-way play that made him a former first round pick.
Now for the bad.
The issue is, essentially, everyone around him on this defense. As presently constructed due to the injuries to Drysdale, Ristolainen and Seeler, Philly is incredibly thin on NHL caliber defensemen. Ronnie Attard and Egor Zamula are inexperienced, while veterans like Marc Staal and Erik Johnson have been rather poor, to be blunt. Hopefully, the team can at least get Nick Seeler back before the end of the season. Will that be enough?
Musical Chairs in Metro?
Coupled with the Flyers regulation loss and the Islanders overtime loss to the Senators on Saturday, the Flyers hold just a three point lead for the third playoff spot out of the Metropolitan division. The Isles have two games in hand on Philly, however, and can cut the Flyers lead to just one point with a win against the Rangers Sunday afternoon. The race is down to essentially the Flyers, Islanders and Capitals, with the Lightning and Red Wings occupying the wild card spots. Five teams competing for three spots.
Tis’ the season for scoreboard watching!
Did You Know?
During the second period, Joel Farabee reached the 20-goal mark in a season for the second time in his career. Since he entered the League in 2019-20, the only Flyers player with more 20-goal seasons is Travis Konecny (4), according to NHL stats.
On Deck
The Flyers will play host to the Toronto Maple Leafs at Wells Fargo Centeron Tuesday, 7:00 puck drop.
