Philadelphia Flyers
Guenther’s Big Night Lifts Utah over Flyers Tuesday Night

The Philadelphia Flyers fell 3-2 to the Utah Hockey Club in overtime Tuesday. Utah’s Dylan Guenther had a three-point night in his return to the lineup, including two goals. One of which was the OT winner as time expired.
Philly picked up a point in the loss, but its record dropped to 23-25-7. Rodrigo Abols and Tyson Foerster scored for the Flyers.
Rough Night for the Defense
The Flyers were without arguably their best defender Tuesday night, as Rasmus Ristolainen was out with an “upper-body injury.”
While one player cannot make or break a D-corps, the Flyers seemingly were lost without Ristolainen Tuesday night. They allowed 42 shots and gave up too many high-danger chances.
Offensively, the defensemen accounted for nine turnovers Tuesday night, with Erik Johnson and Jamie Drysdale being the only defensemen without a turnover.
Ersson’s Career Night
Flyers’ netminder Sam Ersson added yet another spectacular performance in Tuesday’s loss against Utah.
Even though the Flyers fell short in overtime, Ersson continues to impress.
Ersson turned in a career-high 39 Â saves in the loss. He was a big reason why the Flyers kept themselves in this game despite a rather rough defensive game.
Tasked with stopping a number of odd-man rushes, Ersson stood tall and stunned many high-danger chances for Utah. Ersson has continued to shine since the holiday break and has certainly earned his spot with team Sweden in the Four Nations Face-Off.
Abols First Goal
Flyers’ 29-year-old rookie Rodrigo Abols potted his first career NHL goal in Tuesday’s loss. In six games prior, Abols had yet to tally a point. In his seventh game with the Flyers, he snapped the Flyers’ scoreless streak that lasted 182 minutes and 17 seconds with his first-period goal.
Since getting the call-up in January, Abols has kept up with the NHL game quite nicely. He has played very well on the Flyers’ fourth line. He has earned his time and now has a goal to show for it.
What’s Next for the Flyers
The Flyers will return home for their final two games before the Four Nations break when they host the Eastern Conference-leading Washington Capitals on Thursday.
Dropping further down in the draft …lottery chances picking up.