Flyers Game
Flyers Takeaways: Goaltending & Penalty Kill Gave The Flyers a Chance, Offense Went Cold
It looked like a promising start for the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday night. A goal just 29 seconds into the contest, it looked like the Flyers had finally achieved that fast start they were looking for.
It looked like their foot was on the gas throughout the first period, but after that, it was silent.
The Flyers’ offense went quiet in a game that was never out of reach. Goaltending, penalty kill, and even the defense did their job on Thursday, but Philadelphia’s offensive game went missing when they needed it the most.
It was a low-scoring game with 56 total shots. There was fantastic goaltending from both sides.
Let’s grade the Flyers’ efforts from Thursday.
Read More: Flyers Offense Goes Quiet, Lose 2-1 to the Senators
The Penalty Kill Kept the Flyers in It
It looked like the Flyers were finally becoming more disciplined and would stop overworking the penalty kill. That thought did not last long.
In each of the team’s first three games of the season, the penalty kill had to kill five penalties. It seemed to have gotten better as of late, but once again, the Flyers had to kill off five penalties.
Thankfully for Philadelphia, the PK unit was up for the task.
Each of the Senators’ five chances on the man-advantage were held scoreless. The score was 2-1, but if the PK hadn’t played as well as it did, it could have been much worse for the Flyers.
Dan Vladar Continues His Stellar Start
Shocker. Dan Vladar put the Flyers in position to win yet another game. The Flyers’ netminder faced 33 shots on Thursday, stopping 31 of them, one shy of his season high in saves. With Vladar keeping the Senators to just two goals, Philly was in a position to win the game at any time.
Whether at even strength or while down a man, Vladar was making a big difference. This is becoming a growing theme for the Flyers this season. Time after time, Vladar continues to make the big save when they need him the most.
Vladar has been a critical piece of the team’s success this year.
After the loss, Vladar now has a 1.81 GAA and a .932 SV%. Even in the loss, Vladar is solidifying his case to be the number one goalie in Philadelphia.
The Offense Could Not Buy a Goal
The Flyers’ offense got off to a hot start, scoring before 30 seconds ticked off the clock. It seemed like it was going to be one of the nights for Philly. Little did they know that would be the only scoring they would find on Thursday.
It’s weird —they didn’t look totally lost out there. The second period was a little rough for the Flyers, but it’s not like the team did not show up in the first and third periods.
Foerster looked really solid. Travis Konecny was making plays, and for the second straight game, Matvei Michkov looked improved from the last game. Each line seemed to be more connected than in the last game, yet they could not buy a goal.
Linus Ullmark played an excellent game in goal. The Senators’ back check prevented an excess of rush offense. When they had time, they set up strong possessions, but could not convert.
It was one of those nights for the Flyers.
Read More: What We Have Learned About the Flyers Through Six Games
I think there’s going to be a lot of “one of those nights” for this team which, as we expected, will likely end up at about .500 through the season. And I’m concerned about Michkov not producing so far. Tocchet needs to figure that out.
Michkov had an ankle injury and it’s slowly coming around, he’s looked a lot better the last couple games.
Michov…poyekhali!
I find it ironic that we got beat on a goal by a guy that couldn’t stay in our lineup.
If only the Senators had kept Olle Lycksell down in the AHL last night for more “seasoning” and to play more minutes.
While I realize that Lycksell might not have a high ceiling, I’m constantly amazed how the Flyers block younger players by keeping older players with the same (or lower) ceiling.
If it was up to me, I’d want to see more of the younger players get a chance and give them the experience. It might even save a little cap space as well.