NHL Daily: A Glimpse of Flyers’ Future; Pens, Bruins Stunned

For the Philadelphia Flyers, there were some bright spots in their 10th loss in their last 12 games Thursday.

The most important one: In his NHL debut, right winger Tyson Foerster was one of their best players.

If I was awarding three stars to the visiting Flyers in their 1-0 defeat against mighty Carolina, I would have voted this way: 1. goalie Felix Sandstrom, 2. Foerster, 3. defenseman Ivan Provorov.

Foerster made smart passes, nearly scored on the doorstep, and was defensively responsible — he blocked three shots, including one headed into an empty goal.

Coach John Tortorella praised Foerster for his poise with the puck.

“So his first game, against a top team like this, it’s encouraging,” said Tortorella, who doesn’t give accolades freely.

It was an impressive start for a player who was a first-round selection in 2020, a player who is a huge part of the Philadelphia Flyers’ future.

Next year’s team could include Foerster and center Cutter Gauthier, who is starring at Boston College. That’s two young, talented building blocks.

Meanwhile, in a game than meant much more than the Flyers-Canes matchup, the New York Islanders rallied to a 4-3 overtime win in Pittsburgh. Both teams are fighting for playoff spots.

They swept the season series against Pittsburgh for the first time since they entered the NHL in 1972.

The Isles are now 6-1-1 without injured star Mathew Barzal as many of their other players have picked up the slack.

In Boston, the Bruins’ 10-game winning streak was snapped as they blew a 2-0 lead and lost to Edmonton, 3-2. The Bruins lost despite keeping Connor McDavid off the scoresheet.

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Around the NHL and National Hockey Now

Philly Hockey Now: Felix Sandstrom and Tyson Foerster had impressive games, but the Flyers fell to Carolina, 1-0. They are averaging just 1.6 goals per game in their last seven outings. Philadelphia Flyers.

Philly Hockey Now: Foerster and Elliot Desnoyers were recalled from the Phantoms on an emergency basis. Philadelphia Flyers.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The Islanders overcame a late two-goal deficit and stunned the host Penguins. Pittsburgh Penguins.

Boston Hockey Now: Speaking of shocking turnarounds, the Bruins — who have been almost perfect this season — blew a 2-0 lead and fell to Edmonton, 3-2. Boston Bruins.

Florida Hockey Now: This is a critical weekend for the Panthers’ playoff hopes. Florida Panthers.

Montreal Hockey Now: Habs coach Martin St. Louis discusses a frustrating stream of injuries. Montreal Canadiens.

San Jose Hockey Now: Erik Karlsson, 32, reached the 20-goal mark for the first time since 2014-15 in the Sharks’ 4-2 loss to St, Louis. San Jose Sharks.