Flyers Roar Back To Win First Ever Outdoor Game
The Philadelphia Flyers beat the Pittsburgh Penguins, 4-3, in overtime Saturday night at Lincoln Financial Field at the 2019 Coors Light NHL Stadium Series. A 3-goal outburst in the last 5:04 of play propelled the Flyers to a 4-3 win.
Sean Couturier started the scoring for the Flyers in the 1st. A quick slap-shot beat Penguins Matt Murray high glove side. James van Riemsdyk would get the Flyers within one on the power-play with 3:04 left. Jake Voracek would tie the game from an impossible angle to tie the game with just 19.7 left on the clock.
Then, after the Penguins controlled the whole overtime period, Flyers captain, Claude Giroux would sneak one under Murray’s pad for the win.
Brian Elliott fought through the elements and a couple bad goals to keep the Flyers in game. Stopping 40 of the 43 shots he faced to earn the win.
Here are 4 more observations from the Flyers 4-3 win over the Penguins…
Showcase For The Fans
Even with the rain, the fans showed up to support their Flyers. A sold-out Lincoln Financial Field, 69,620 to be exact, watched the Flyers defeat their cross-state rival Penguins by a score of 4-3.
The NHL created the outdoor games to showcase hockey going back to its roots. But, also put on a show for the fans. Tonights game was definitely a showcase for the fans. The game was intense, riveting, and had an ending Hollywood couldn’t even script.
Physicality is one word that perfectly describes the game. Both teams came out trying to leave a mark on each other. The playoffs are still two months away, but the game had a real playoff like feeling to it.
Wayne Simmonds
During the game, the talk around the press box is this Wayne Simmonds last game as a Flyer? Well, the postgame remarks by his fellow team-mates and Wayne himself, somewhat confirmed our feelings that Wayne Simmonds will be traded before Monday’s trade deadline.
“He is one of my best friends, it has been stressful for me too.” Jake Voracek said about the rumors surrounding Simmonds.
If this was Wayne Simmonds final game as a Flyer, he went out with a bang and as a winner. You could tell from the tone Simmonds was playing with he wanted to leave nothing behind.
“He has been the best team-mate all these years, an ultimate warrior.” Claude Giroux said about Simmonds.
Playoff Hopes Are Still Alive
Tonight was a must-win game for the Flyers if they wanted to keep any playoff hopes alive. With 5 minutes left, the fans started to exit Lincoln Financial Field just like many thought the playoffs were leaving with them.
However, just like the Flyers have been doing over the past month, they fought to the very end and were rewarded for their efforts. The grit and determination the team lacked under ex-head coach Dave Hakstol, has been reborn under interim head coach Scott Gordon.
“Tonight was the biggest win of the season.” Jake Voracek said postgame.
Biggest win is an understatement when it comes to the meaning of this game. The Flyers needed this more than anyone could ever know. Not just for their slim playoff hopes. But, for Wayne Simmonds and all he has done for the team over the years he has put on the Flyers sweater.
Flyers Finally Win One
Something that hasn’t been kind to the Flyers is outdoor games. Coming into tonight, the Flyers had yet to win a game outdoors. Losing in Boston in the Winter Classic, at home in the Winter Classic, and in Pittsburgh in the Stadium Series game.
With 10-minutes left, you would have thought they were headed for their 4th loss outdoors. However, the hockey gods had other plans. The Flyers roared back, scoring two goals in the final 3:04 to tie the game and the game winner 1:59 into overtime.
In all the elements, somehow the Flyers kept fighting and clawing their way back and won.
Result : Flyers 4 – Penguins 3, WIN
Record : 29 – 26 – 7
Next Game : 2/26 Buffalo Sabres, Philadelphia PA, NBCSports Philadelphia 7:00pm