Flyers Postgame Blog: Two Points Were There for the Taking, Philly Couldn’t Rise to the Moment

Saturday’s game offered the Philadelphia Flyers the chance to earn crucial two points for their playoff hopes. Taking on the Columbus Blue Jackets, a team right in the Eastern Conference and Metropolitan dog fight with Philly, a win on Saturday was more important than ever.

The Flyers did not find that all-important win on Saturday. They did, however, pick up a point with the shootout loss. However, part of the importance of Saturday’s game was keeping the Blue Jackets from picking up a point. So, heading to overtime already felt like a bit of a gut punch.

An early goal scored by Columbus could have put the Flyers to rest early. However, they answered nearly six minutes later, tying the game at one. After that, neither team could get any real momentum.

The game was there for the taking for both teams. To give the Flyers credit, the Blue Jackets could have taken the game in regulation as well. It was not just them. However, this game meant more for the Flyers’ playoff hopes.

The Flyers had the chance to rise to the moment and take those two points, but could not get it done.

Read More: Flyers Force Shootout But Can’t Earn Two Points on Saturday vs. Blue Jackets

Observations from Flyers overtime loss vs. Blue Jackets

Boy oh boy, where to begin with the Flyers’ power play. The Flyers had four opportunities on the man-advantage on Saturday. That includes a critical four minutes between the end of the second period and the beginning of the third period after Dean Severson got called for cross-checking twice. Per Natural Stat Trick, the Flyers totaled five power play shots on their four total power play chances.

When I say that this game was served to the Flyers on a silver platter, I mean the power play had an extended opportunity to gain the lead. The Flyers were given plenty of chances to win the game—too many passes and not nearly enough shots.

As for the rest of the game, well, it was there for the taking. Neither team wanted it enough.

“It was a sluggish group tonight. We obviously did not have our A game,” said head coach Rick Tocchet after the loss. “I don’t know if it’s the two 3 a.m.s coming back for us, like a lot of hockey for us lately, late nights. But getting the point with our B game, you have to take the positive.”

Tocchet knows the game was right there the entire time. After the game, he said his team needs to rise to the moment and take the chances when given. At the same time, he credits his team for staying in the game. “There are moments where you’ve got to make them play. We’re lacking that sometimes in those moments. But the good thing is, we’re hanging in the games. You’ve got to give the guys credit.”

Saturday was a critical game for the Flyers’ postseason hunt. Two points were there for the taking all throughout the final 40 minutes of regulation. The Flyers could not rise to the moment and take them. Instead, they settle for one.

The good from the loss

Denver Barkey, yeah, he showed heart. Barkey got crushed into the boards by Kirill Marchenko in the first period. He was pulled from the game, then returned for the second period. Barkey could have backed off and shied away from contact, especially after such a bruising hit. No, he did the opposite. Barkey got to the greasy areas, was down in front of the net taking contact, and yeah, he was laying hits too. All heart from Denver Barkey on Saturday.

Dan Vladar deserves some flowers, too. He faced 28 shots and stopped 27 of them. The one that he let through was the result of a scrum in front of the net. Yes, Vladar let the first goal in. But, he also settled in and stopped the rest of the shots, even if they werent high-danger. Dan Vladar has been

As for the slightly good, I have liked what I have seen from Alex Bump so far in his young NHL career. He shoots the puck at will, which is most definitely something that the Flyers are missing. Bump used his frame to get in front of the net, which led to a redirection for his second career goal. He also looks much stronger on pucks than expected, which was a worry when getting called up.

Nikita Grebenkin looked much better with his increased role on Saturday as well. He has been one of those players who look better and better with more playing time. Grebenkin did not have his best stuff on Saturday by any means, but he was one of the more noticeable players.

Read More: The Chase is On: Flyers Can Really Insert Themselves in the Playoff Hunt with a Win on Saturday