Hayes & Vigneault Get Sweet Revenge Against The Rangers
The Philadelphia Flyers enter the Christmas break with their best record since 2011-12 after a 5-1 victory over the New York Rangers Monday night at the Wells Fargo Center.
With Henrik Lundqvist looking like the Flyer killer of years past, a Travis Sanheim shot with 1.7 left in the 2nd period beat King Henrik for the 1st time of the night. That shot flipped a switch for both sides.
After that shot, Lundqvist would give up 4 more goals on the last 10 shots he faced. Two coming by former Ranger, Kevin Hayes. Travis Sanheim getting his second one on the night. And, Nicolas Aube-Kubel breaking through for his first career NHL goal.
The Flyers organization put on a Christmas spectacular before the game and Carter Hart continued to be spectacular during the game. Stopping 34 of the 35 shots he faced, including the last 18, to earn his 11th victory at home this season.
Flyers Vs Rangers 10 Loose Pucks…
A 4-goal, 3rd period eruption propelled the Flyers to their 13 victory at home this season. Home ice advantage hasn’t been very kind to the Flyers over the past couple of years. However, with their 13th win, the Flyers enter the break with the best home win percentage, 13-2-4.
Revenge is a dish best served cold. After starting his career in New York, Kevin Hayes got some sweet revenge on his former team & mates. After being the Flyers best player all night, Hayes scored two goals in the 3rd period, including the game winner, to propel the Flyers.
Nicolas Aube-Kubel is starting to prove why the Flyers drafted him 48th overall back in 2014. It has been a long road to the NHL for Aube-Kubel. However, since his call-up, NAK has done nothing but impress. In 5 games this season, NAK has made himself known in all five and scored his 1st NHL tonight to add to his two assists he already has this season.
What else is Ivan Provorov gonna do? Two years ago, Provorov played 20:31 in a playoff game with his shoulder being held together by a thread. Tonight, with the flu, Provorov still played 23:20 and added 3 shots on goal & 2 blocked shots.
Carter Hart starts another home game. The Flyers win another home game. This kid just doesn’t want to lose on home ice. Hart improved to 11-1-2 at home this season and 9-0-2 in his last 11 starts, including winning his last 6 starts. His lone regulation loss on home ice came way back on Oct 19 vs Dallas.
No knock to Travis Sanheim, but the leader in the clubhouse for most improved is Sanheim. After scoring 9G & 26A last season, you ask how? Well, it has to do with Sanheim’s overall play. It seems Travis has more freedom to move the puck & jump up in the play under Vigneault and Sanheim is taking advantage of every second of it.
Kevin Hayes wasn’t the only one getting revenge tonight. Head coach Alain Vigneault in his first game against the team who fired him in 2018, got some tasty revenge as well.
Looks like the Flyers will get two familiar faces back on their road-trip after the Christmas break. Michael Raffl all but confirmed today he will return to the lineup 12/29 vs Anaheim after his LTIR dues are up with the San Jose game. Scott Laughton practiced today and said he thinks he will be ready after the Christmas break. Laughton can return against San Jose.
Nothing will beat head coach Alain Vigneault’s “Be a f*cking Flyer” quote this season. But, that will not stop Vigneault from giving the fans some funny content all season. Ivan Provorov missed morning skate due to the flu. This lead to Vigneault poking a little fun at his defense partner Matt Niskanen. “I guess both Nisky’s partners are having a tough time right now.”
The Flyers win sealed their best start to a season at the Christmas break since 2011-12. Going 21-9-4 in 2011-12, the Flyers enter the 2019-2020 break 21-11-5. Good enough for 47 points & 3rd in a very tough Metro division. But, if history repeats itself, this is just the beginning for the Flyers. Read about head coach Alain Vigneault’s post Christmas track record here…
Result : Flyers 5 – Rangers 1 , WIN
Record : 21 – 11 – 5
Next Game : 12/28 10:30pm San Jose Sharks, San Jose CA, NBCSports Philadelphia +