Flyers Game
Flyers Hang With Champs, Drop Opener 2-1 to Panthers
In a close game, the Philadelphia Flyers hung with the defending champion Florida Panthers, but lost their season opener 2-1 Thursday night. They officially start the season 0-1-0. Noah Cates scored the lone goal for Philly.
Dan Vladar’s 3-2 save night was quite the introduction to the city of Philadelphia. The Cates line proved that they have not lost a step from last season.
During warmups, defenseman Travis Sanheim donned a sweater with an “A” on his chest, officially giving him that second alternate captain spot that has been vacant since Scott Laughton was dealt last trade deadline.
This is not a season for moral victories, but it’s hard not to be pleasantly surprised by how well the Flyers played against such a tough and physical team in the Panthers. Here is how we got to our final score.
Read More: Flyers Game 1, Season Opener: Lines, Notes, & How to Watch vs. Panthers
Getting to 2-1
The first period was slow and not very productive. You could see the Flyers trying to get things going, but despite the preseason, they were still trying to knock some rust off. The Flyers gave the Panthers an early chance on the man-advantage, which was quickly nullified by a Panthers penalty.
Philly then got their only chance on a full man-advantage just a little under five minutes later, but they picked up where they left off last season.
Before the period ended, the Flyers’ penalty killers were back on the ice after a Christian Dvorak penalty, and again, they would kill the penalty. Despite Florida doubling the shot total of Philadelphia, the first period would end scoreless.
In the second frame, the Flyers were just as undisciplined as in the first, giving Florida another two chances on the man-advantage. Trevor Zegras got called for interference, and with time dwindling down, Anton Lundell (1) capitalized, giving Florida the 1-0 lead.
Dvorak would get his second penalty of the game moments later, but Philly would kill it off.
Late in the second period, Noah Cates (1), who was close to scoring the equalizer earlier in the frame, collected the loose change on a Tyson Foerster (1) shot to even he score at one, bringing the game to the second intermission tied.
Both goaltenders put on a clinic. However, it was Florida that was able to beat the opposition when it mattered most.
Early in the third period, Brad Marchand put one past the right shoulder of Vladar, giving the Panthers a 2-1 lead. Nobody would score in the final 17:41, and the Panthers would take the narrow victory over the Flyers.
Flyer of the Game
This is something new I want to add to the postgame stories this year. Of course, with every new idea, feedback is always appreciated.
Dan Vladar was a bright spot in the Flyers’ opening night loss against the defending champs. Vladar stopped 32 of Florida’s 34 shots in his debut, keeping his new club in it until the very end. It was a bit shocking hearing his name called for Game 1 instead of Sam Ersson. He backed up Rick Tocchet’s decision. Vladar played extremely well.
What’s Next for the Flyers
Philly will head up the East Coast, stopping in Raleigh, North Carolina, to take on the Hurricanes Saturday at 7:00 p.m. EST.
Read More: PhHN Daily: Flyers Game Day; Class of ’26; Sharks Leadership
At least they were in the game,but of course way to many penalties that had to be dealt with.I didn’t see too many defensive breakdowns which is a good start.
The game winning goal by Marchand was a tough one to give up,as vladar didn’t seem to see it, hopefully that isn’t a sign of the season ahead.Carolina will be another good early season test, assuming sam will get his chance there.