Flyers Game
Flyers Grades: Konecny, Vladar Shine, Defensive Effort Falters in Wednesday Loss
The Philadelphia Flyers had a chance to bounce back from a tough shutout loss on Monday, but did not do so in their 5-3 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Wednesday. Travis Konecny and Dan Vladar had good games, but there were some real question marks around the rest of the game.
Dan Vladar made his first start since January 14th, when he exited the first period of the Flyers’ game vs. the Buffalo Sabres. He was activated just ahead of Wednesday’s game, and his first start back was a real test. The Blue Jackets were riding a hot hand after scoring eight goals the day before.
Travis Konecny had himself quite the night. In the preview, I had mentioned looking for someone from the top line stepping up. Konecny did that and much more. The Flyers’ winger scored the only three Flyers’ goals of the night, tying the game on multiple occasions.
The Flyers had big nights from two key contributors, but that was about it. How did the rest of the team fare on Wednesday?
Read More: Travis Konecny’s Hat Trick Not Enough in Flyers Loss vs. Blue Jackets on Wednesday
Flyers Grades vs. Blue Jackets
Travis Konecny – A+
We’ll keep this one short. This is exactly the kind of game you wanted to see from Travis Konecny and more. He played just about the perfect game. Konecny was great on the forecheck, made great use of open space, and again, scored three goals.
With his hat trick on Wednesday, Konecny became the first Flyer to reach 20 goals this season.
Dan Vladar – A
Konecny’s three goals made it a game; Dan Vladar’s performance kept them in it.
It was Vladar’s first start since his injury. While it was not blemish-free, it was a pretty good first game back. Vladar allowed a goal on the first shot he saw, but after that, he really settled in. I honestly would not fault him for the first goal either. In all honesty, I don’t know how much you can fault Vladar on the first and fourth goals, and even the second for the most part.
26 saves on 30 shots may not scream like a standout night, but Vladar was quite literally Superman in the third period. The Flyers should be happy to have him back.
The Matvei Michkov, Denver Barkey, Owen Tippett “Noticable” trio – B
In the past handful of games, the term “noticeable” has been thrown around to describe the play of Matvei Michkov, Denver Barkey, and Owen Tippett. That basically means that they stand out in a good way, even if they don’t jump out on the scoresheet.
Since this trio emerged as consistent players who have been playing well, this was probably their worst game as a collective unit. They still popped more than others. Barkey had himself a couple of good looks, Michkov looked solid, as did Tippett. They each had a few chances.
However, nothing really came from it. Plus, for the most part, each player blended in with the game. In a close match, sometimes all it takes is one more player stepping up.
Read More: PhHN Daily: Flyers Practice; Devils Dealing; Trade Board Update
The Flyers’ defense – D
The Flyers lost this game defensively. I say that, instead of the Flyers’ defensemen losing the game, because it was not all on the position group.
For starters, they were limited to five defenseman after Rasmus Ristolainen exited the game during his second shift.
The Flyers just seemed out of position all night. That led to easy chances for Columbus.
The game-opening goal came from pretty much everyone in the process of leaving the zone before a Zegras turnover, leaving Coyle alone in the slot area. It was an easy chance. Marchenko’s goal came on the rush, with Tippett and Sanheim crashing on Werenski, leaving Marchenko wide open for the one-timer.
The Gudbranson goal was one you’d like to see Vladar stop, but from what you could see, he probably never even saw it.
Monahan’s goal is going to haunt the Flyers for a good bit. It looked like Michkov was trying to blow the defensive before the Jackets got the puck back. Noah Cates was sort of in no man’s land. That left Sean Monahan in a Grade-A spot to regain the lead.
There were many things that could have gone differently, but the Flyers’ defensive effort could have been much, much better.
Read More: Rasmus Ristolainen Exits Wednesday’s Game vs. Blue Jackets with Injury (Updated)
Oympic break can’t come fast enough for this group.
Risto hurt again He will be out the next three games until Sens game…last game before Olympics……..so he can play with the Finland team.
Looking like sellers at the trade deadline.
We can only hope….does the front office se the same ineptitude we do?
Confused about Tippett getting a -B he played poorly but was not the only one! Defense is to small they can’t stop opposing team from crashing the net
I clumped him in with Michkov and Barkey, as those three players have been “standouts” even if the score sheet doesn’t show that for the last few games. The B rating was for the collective trio.
Thought they still were generating some chances, but it definitely was one of his/their worst games recently. Probably could have been more harsh with the grade.
Ristolainen must be the Finnish word for “fragile”!