The Flyers needed a win against their cross-state rivals. They needed one the last time they suited up against the Penguins, but they didn’t get it.
NHL scores 2017: The Flyers pulled themselves together long enough to save their season
Philadelphia looked more like its usual self on Wednesday, but is it too little too late?
Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images
On Wednesday, however, the Flyers got the job done in their most complete game effort since the start of March. The 4-0 shutout victory broke a three-game losing skid and now has their wild card gap at a more reasonable five-point range.
Those two points are key, but maybe even more notable than the win is how well the Flyers played as a unit. It’s been a Murphy’s Law season in Philadelphia, from the goaltending woes to the nonexistent scoring and the shaky defense. Since a 10-game winning streak in December, it’s been a slow and painful downward slide.
Yet, despite a slow start, the pieces came together. Their power play, which had gone 2-for-38 in their last seven games, finally clicked with a goal from Wayne Simmonds. After being held to just one goal in 13 games, Claude Giroux now has two in his last five, with five points across that span.
Even Steve Mason showed up, as he has since regaining the net from Michal Neuvirth. While he made just 23 saves, Mason made key stops early to help the Flyers find their footing as they struggled through the opening frame.
It’s a template the Flyers will need to follow if they want to make the jump to the playoffs, provided this spark of life isn’t too little too late.
Scores
Three Things We Learned
1. Soft goaltending was the downfall of the Flames’ winning streak
Calgary’s win streak didn’t end with a blowout like so many others have this season, but it was effectively over when Brian Elliott was unable to suit up due to illness. Chad Johnson drew the starter’s net on Wednesday and looked absolutely as rusty as a goaltender who last played on Feb. 24.
The Bruins were also culprits of an extremely soft goal, but thanks to stifling the Flames to just 23 shots overall, they were able to overcome the rough patches to quell Calgary’s roll.
2. A rare Avalanche win appeared!
With just 13 games left in the season, the Avalanche finally hit 20 wins on the year. Colorado has actually been on an OK run recently, with Wednesday’s victory serving as its third win in the last five games.
J. T. Compher scored the game winner — his first career NHL goal no less! — as the Avalanche bested their rivals, the Red Wings, 3-1.
Colorado is still likely to finish last in the NHL, though. Some things change, but others stay the same.
3. Ryan Getzlaf is having himself a real good month
The Ducks’ captain had two points in Anaheim’s 2-1 victory over the Blues, continuing his stellar last few weeks of play.
And with Calgary’s loss on Wednesday, the Ducks have retained second place in the Pacific Division.
Impact Moment
David Backes was injured, left the ice, returned, then scored the eventual game winner for the Bruins.
Stat of the Night
Brad Marchand has now taken over the NHL lead in goals thanks to his 36th goal on Wednesday. He’s been on a tear recently, but just how hot is he?
Oh...sorry New Jersey.
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