3 Flyers’ Thoughts: Big Mistakes, Bad Goaltending Leads to Loss

Things had looked like they had been trending forward for the Philadelphia Flyers. After an abysmal first three games of the seven-game homestand, things looked like they were trending in the right direction after Sunday’s 3-1 loss to the New Jersey Devils.

After a quick goal from Brady Tkachuk (27) in Tuesday’s game against Ottawa, the Flyers were able to respond, and keep themselves in the game until about halfway through the third period.

The Flyers played much better for most of Tuesday night’s game, but they eventually fell victim to their own errors. Here are three thoughts after the Flyers’ latest loss:

Read More: Flyers Battle but Fall 5-2 to Ottawa Tuesday Night

Mistakes are Costly

The Flyers made plenty of mistakes during Tuesday night’s loss.

If you’re looking for the most costly, look no further than the mid-third period turnover leading to the Dylan Cozens (13) score. The Flyers made arguably the biggest mistake you can make: they played loose with the puck in front of their own net. Nick Seeler made the first mistake by looking to Ryan Poehling for the exit pass with a man near him. It was a shaky pass, but the Flyers’ forward was able to get his stick on it, he just could not corral it.

Cozens took advantage of the turnover and cashed in with a goal, stretching the Senators’ lead to two.

Aside from that, the Flyers were weak on their checks, giving up way too many odd-man rushes.

Poor decisions with the puck in their offensive zone killed their good chances. Guys seemed afraid to pull the trigger and fire shots, even when the chances were good.

Flyers Need to Get Saves

Ivan Fedotov played just ok as far as backup goaltender performances go. He had been playing well, but Tuesday’s loss was not a good showing of his recent play.

Not many goalies are stopping Tkachuk’s game-opening score. A great pass from Claude Giroux led to a non-contested look for Tkachuk, who does not miss those looks.

The following two–Fedotov needs to stop those. Tyler Kleven (3) basically threw a hail-mary on goal, and Fedotov just let it by. He was screened, but an NHL goaltender should be able to read through it. It was not a screaming shot–Fedotov needed to get something on it, he just didn’t.

Michael Amadio (8) scored the next goal from a funky angle after a great pass from Adam Gaudette (7). However, the angle is no excuse; Fedotov needs to stop that, especially to give the Flyers a chance to win.

The Dylan Cozens score off the turnover could have been a momentum swinging save had Fedotov stopped the shot. With no help in front, you cannot fully fault Fedotov, but that is just one of those saves you need your goaltender to come away with to win games, especially when the Flyers aren’t scoring.

Fedotov made several big saves for the Flyers, but not enough to give his team a chance to win.

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Tortorella Challenges his Stars

After the game, Flyers head coach John Tortorella challenged some of his most prominent names to be better.

“We got to get Tip going. Tyson has a chance but doesn’t score. We have to get TK going. He’s in knots, as far as his game is concerned. Mich made some great plays tonight, we need him to score a goal. Coots has a chance. Our roster has changed, but we have some guys that can score some goals, and those are the ones going to have to step up,” Tortorella said post game.

Owen Tippett came out of the 4 Nations break firing at all cylinders, but has gone cold since the game in Winnipeg, earning just one point in his last six games. Travis Konecny had assists in his last two games, but he has not been the same in a long, long time.

Matvei Michkov had a great game on Tuesday but had nothing to show for it. He played 21 minutes and 57 seconds on Tuesday, second to just Konecny for forwards in the game–Michkov’s highest total of the season. He had good chances too, that he was not able to finish.

Sean Couturier continues to keep pace with Michkov and Tippett. He has looked his best this season while playing with the two. He had a great chance, but he wasn’t able to stuff it in, though Matthew Highmore’s stick was the reason why.

Tyson Foerster was all over the ice on Tuesday, but like Michkov, has nothing to show for it.

Those guys combined for 31 total points for the Flyers since the 4 Nations break, but only one of them had a goal in the three games since the trade deadline (Tippett, 3/8). The rest have not scored since. Konecny is the biggest name with his struggles. He hasn’t scored since 2/8, and has just four points since the 4 Nations break.

The Flyers simply need to get those guys going and respond to Tortorella’s challenge sooner rather than later.

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