Flyers Throttle The Penguins 5-1, Head Back To Philly With The Series Tied 1-1

Just how they drew it up, right? Get blown out in game 1. Make the Penguins think this would be a walk in the park? Unfortunately, this series will be no walk in the park for the Penguins and it is far from over.

The Flyers stormed back from a 7-0 defeat in game 1 to beat the Penguins 5-1 in game 2. It was an all around effort from the Flyers team as a whole to even the series at 1-1.

The Flyers had a bounce back and stellar performance from goalie Brian Elliott. Elliott, who was pulled after giving up 5 goals in game 1, only allowed 1 goal on the 35 shots he faced in game 2. They were led up-front by Sean Couturier. Couturier, who 6 years ago to the day, Apr 13, 2012, had a performance very similar to that night. Couturier had 3 goals and 1 assist back in 2012, he had a goal and 2 assists tonight.

With the win, the Flyers head back to Philadelphia with the series tied at 1-1.

Observations From Game 2

< After being blown out and flat out embarrassed in game 1, the Flyers showed no lay-off or any hold back from game 1. From puck drop, the Flyers entered game 2 like the series started all over again. With the turn-around, the series now flips in the Flyers favor. The series now heads to Philadelphia for games 3 & 4. The Flyers now have the chance, on home ice, to make the series 3-1 before the series returns to Pittsburgh for game 5.

< The next-shift has been a huge issue for the Flyers all season. Even with the dominance the Flyers showed, you have to look at their faults. After Nolan Patrick made it 4-0, the Penguins scored just 17 seconds later. Tonight, it had no effect on the game. However, in a long playoff series, where the games will become tighter, this is something you do not want to keep happening. Especially if you are trying to come back from a deficit.

< Brian Elliott had a game to forget about in game 1. However, his game 2 performance is something he should be proud about and remember for a long time. When the Flyers had a goalie stand on their head for them during the season, they have scored the goals to make that effort pay off. Tonight, it was no different. Elliott was 34 for 35. Whereas he direct competitor was 15 for 19.  Goalies have to have short memories in the playoffs and it looks like Brian Elliott has no memory of his performance from game 1.

< The kids are back. After the veterans said the rookies were keeping the locker room fresh and energized, they showed their dominance tonight. Travis Konecny and Nolan Patrick both picked up their first playoff goals. While, Ivan Provorov picked up his first point and multi-point game. If the rookies can help carry the burden in the series, the Flyers will be hard to beat the rest of the series.

< Rolling 4 lines is something coach Dave Hakstol has stuck to all season. Even in times of need and also in the last few minutes of close games, Hakstol has used all 4 lines. Now, yes sometimes he has double shifted some players. However, he has rewarded players for their efforts during games and continued that tonight. After another stellar performance, the Flyers 4th line was rewarded with regular shifts in the 3rd period. If the 4th line can keep this up, the Flyers can create a matchup nightmare coming home with Hakstol now having the final change.

< The Wells Fargo Center is going to be rocking on Sunday. After Pittsburgh had their fun on Wednesday night, the crowd became restless and voiced their opinion before emptying out midway through the 3rd period in game 2. Now, with the series tied, the Flyers own home ice advantage with the opportunity to win on home ice in game 6 if they win game 3 & 4. If the Flyers can win game 3, it assures there will be a game 6 in Philadelphia. If it is even needed.

Result : Flyers 5 – Penguins 1, WIN

Series : 1-1

Next Game : 4/15 Pittsburgh Penguins, Philadelphia PA, NBC 3:00pm