Flyers Pound Penguins 3-0 Behind Elliott’s 1st Shutout Of Season
If you needed more fuel for a cross-state rivalry, Penguins Evgeni Malkin provided after Pittsburgh’s 4-3 win Sunday. But, the score doesn’t reflect the game at all. Penguins goalie Matt Murray gave up three 1st period goals. To the dismay of Malkin, the Pittsburgh faithful gave Murray some “bronx” cheers. That led Malkin to say this…
“We hear that in Philly, not Pittsburgh.”
Penguins and Flyers is always a good game. But, Malkins comments just added more fuel to the Flyers. Who suffered a 7-1 loss to these very Penguins early in the season. With all that fueling Philadelphia, the Flyers beat Pittsburgh 3-0.
After a scoreless 1st period, Jake Voracek got the Flyers on the board first. Taking a clean pass behind the defense from Sean Couturier to beat Tristan Jarry on a beautiful forehand to backhand.
Then, with just 1:20 left in the 2nd period, the newly named “alphabet soup line”, JVR-G-TK, connected for yet another goal. Thats now 3 goals from the top line in the last 2 games and the Flyers took a 2-0 lead into the 3rd period.
But, those two goals would be plenty enough to win tonight because of outstanding goal-tending from Brian Elliott. Elliott stopped all 19 shots he faced to earn his 39th career shutout & his first this season. His best was on Bryan Rust. Who was left wide open in-front and somehow found by Sidney Crosby from behind the net.
Loose Pucks…
Sidney Crosby & Evgeni Malkin were held scoreless for the first time in four games in Philadelphia. Both Penguins have outstanding numbers against the Flyers in their careers and a lot of those points have come here in Philadelphia for both. Tonight was also the first time Crosby has not had a point since his return.
Michael Raffl missed tonights game with an upper body injury. With only tonight’s game til the Flyers 10-day break, there was no need to risk any further injury with Raffl. Including in a tough fought matchup with the Penguins.
After giving up 6 goals in Pittsburgh back on 10/29, Brian Elliott got some much needed revenge on the Penguins. Earning his second career shutout against Pittsburgh.
The newly named “alphabet soup line”, JVR-G-TK, continued to contribute in a big way for the Flyers. From puck drop, the Flyers top line was the best line for either team all night. JVRs goal in the 2nd period was the third goal for this line in the last 2 games.
With the Penguins losing 2-0 heading into the 3rd period, you would have thought a lot of shots were coming Brian Elliott’s way. But, it was the complete opposite and the Flyers held the Penguins to a season low 3 shots on goal in the 3rd.
Result : FLYERS 3 – PENGUINS 0, WIN
Record : 27 – 17 – 6
Next Game : Allstar Break, 1/31 Pittsburgh Penguins, Pittsburgh PA, NBCSports Philadelphia 7:00pm