Two Poor Back-Checks Cost The Flyers The Game
The Philadelphia Flyers lost their 6th straight game, 7th in last 8, Saturday afternoon at the Wells Fargo Center. The Calgary Flames came back from 1-0 and 2-1 deficits to beat the Flyers 3-2 in overtime.
Matthew Tkachuk tied the game with 4:17 remaining in the 3rd for the Flames. Calgary would then capitalize on a Flyers turnover in overtime for the game-winner by TJ Brodie.
Travis Sanheim scored on a lucky bounce off Flames TJ Brodie’s skate to get the Flyers on the board first. Travis Konecny would capitalize on a turnover by Flames goalie David Rittich for his 10th of the season. Ending a 14-game goal-less streak.
Carter Hart stopped 29 of the 32 shots he faced in a losing effort.
Here are 4 more observations from the Flyers 3-2 overtime loss to the Flames…
Poor Back-Checking Costs Flyers
Something that has plagued the Flyers all season is their poor back-checking. Through 55 minutes today, that wasn’t an issue for the Flyers. However, that would change over the last 7 minutes of the game.
Wayne Simmonds was slow transitioning from center-ice into the zone. Losing track of Flames Matthew Tkachuk. Resulting in an un-contested shot and a game-tying goal for the Flames. Then, in overtime, Flyers James van Riemsdyk would lose a foot-race to Flames defenseman TJ Brodie and dog it into the zone to watch the eventual game-winner off of Brodie’s stick hit the back of the net.
Two timely and sloppy plays by Flyers veterans let the team down once again. Leaving rookie Carter Hart out to dry on the final two Flames goals.
Travis Sanheim
One bright spot today for the Flyers was Travis Sanheim. Sanheim, who has benefited the most since Scott Gordon was named interim head coach, showed more promise today.
Sanheim led all Flyers in ice time today, 25:38 TOI. Scored one of the Flyers two goals. But, it was the things that Sanheim did without the puck that shined today.
Travis Sanheim was extremely noticeable, in a good way, when he was on the ice. Whether it was breaking up a Calgary rush or just making a solid defensive play, Sanheim was there. The Flyers have been looking for a top-pairing guy to pair with Provorov. Sanheim, who is the guy in that spot at the moment, is making the most of his time on the Flyers top unit.
Where Is Chuck Fletcher?
One person not in attendance for today’s game was GM Chuck Fletcher. The Flyers are a team that has been searching the market for goal-tending help, amongst other positions of need.
In a season that has been organizational changing for the Flyers, a roster move maybe next. Now, don’t expect a high profile talent coming back to bolster the Flyers this season. If a move is made, it will be made for the future.
Where is Fletcher you ask? That remains to be seen since he wasn’t listed on a scout list for any of the early games. However, there is 9 other games tonight. Fletcher could be at any one of those games.
Finally Bounces Going Flyers Way
Finally, the Flyers got some bounces to go their way. Now, the end result didn’t go there way. But, the Flyers capitalized on two Flames mistakes.
Travis Sanheim was rewarded with a goal off a pass that hit Flames TJ Brodie’s skate. Travis Konecny was rewarded with a turnover by Flames goalie David Rittich.
Something the Flyers have been on the wrong end of all season is unlucky bounces. Today, in a losing effort, they finally got some bounces to go in their direction.
Result : Flyers 2 – Flames 3, LOSS
Record : 15 – 20 – 6
Next Game : 1/7 St. Louis Blues, Philadelphia PA, NBCSports Philadelphia 7:00pm