NHL Daily: Flyers’ Konecny Hard on Himself; Bedard Race Tight

In his two games since returning from an injury, Travis Konecny hasn’t skipped a beat on offense. The kinetic right winger has been in the middle of numerous scoring chances, depositing a goal in each game.

Yet, the Philadelphia Flyers’ 26-year-old forward is far from satisfied with his all-around play.

Fact is, he was hard on himself, very hard, after the Flyers dropped a 4-2 decision Sunday night in Pittsburgh.

Konecny said he has been allowing too many odd-man rushes, and criticized himself for committing two penalties in the loss.

“Just got to keep working on getting back in the right mindset,” he said.

Konecny was too hard on himself. He is one of the few Flyers who can stir the offense with his unbridled energy. Yes, there are some parts of his game that need improving.

But if the Flyers had 12 forwards who played like No. 11, they wouldn’t be in rebuilding mode. They’d be headed to the playoffs.

In his two games since returning, Konecny has a combined 21 shots attempts, including 10 on goal, and a minus-3 rating.

It says a lot about his maturity that he points to the latter number and says his game has lots of room for improvement.

The Penguins, meanwhile, moved into the last wild-card spot with the win. They also inched to within a point of the Islanders for the top wild card.

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Around the NHL and National Hockey Now

Philly Hockey Now: Travis Konecny scored his 29th goal, but he and his coach, John Tortorella, had different evaluations of his his play. Torts praised the right winger. The Flyers lost to Pittsburgh, 4-2. Philadelphia Flyers.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Goaltender Casey DeSmith was the difference as the Penguins moved into a playoff spot with the win over the Flyers. Pittsburgh swept the three-game season series, outscoring the Flyers, 13-4. Pittsburgh Penguins.

Connor Bedard sweepstakes: A look at the standings and odds in the close race for the bottom spot in the NHL standings. Chicago and Anaheim are making a push. Each has lost eight straight. The “winner” will have the best odds in the draft lottery. Center Connor Bedard, of course, is the overwhelming favorite to be selected No. 1 overall. Tankathon.

Colorado Hockey Now: With two weeks left, what are the Avs’ prospects? Colorado Avalanche.

Detroit Hockey Now: The Red Wings jolted the Maple Leafs, 5-2, in center Marco Kasper’s NHL debut. Kasper, 18, was drafted No. 8 overall in 2022. Detroit Red Wings.

Montreal Hockey Now: Looking at the Habs’ chances in the tank tracker. Montreal Canadiens.

Boston Hockey Now: Wayne Gretzky will ‘feel mad’ if the Bruins don’t win the Stanley Cup. Boston Bruins.

Los Angeles Hockey Now: The Kings became the ninth NHL team this season to clinch a playoff berth as they whipped Vancouver, 4-1. L.A. reached the 100-point mark for the sixth time in franchise history. Los Angeles Kings.