Behind the hockey scenes: Philadelphia Flyers vs. Ottawa Senators and The Road Ahead

 

Behind the hockey scenes: Philadelphia Flyers vs. Ottawa Senators and The Road Ahead

Introductions

Well, it wasn't the goaltending this season...

The last game of the regular season, held in late April, due to the stretched schedule.

Philadelphia (25-45-11, 61 points) verses Ottawa (32-42-7, 71 points) in both teams final contest of the 2021-22 season.

The coming off-season starts immediately after the horn sounds. Buzz regarding the fates of numerous players, head coach, coaching staff, along with various other staff members exists. General Manager Chuck Fletcher created what appeared to be an improved team heading into the start of this season. However, thinness in various areas and questions about goaltending abounded.

The in-season dismissal of head coach Alain Vigneault was followed by one of Fletcher's past go-to guys, assistant coach Mike Yeo, being given the helm. Yeo's task was immensely steep. Any fair assessment, considering the volume of man-games lost due to injuries, lesser than expected performances, trades, including that of Claude Giroux, would have to give Yeo a pass.

Yeo is not expected to be elevated to head coach but seems worthy of another spot in the organization. His honest and accurate assessments of players was and can remain valuable. Yeo is the proverbial, good hockey guy.

As for Fletcher – His status is tied to whatever level of patience Chairman and CEO Dave Scott may have. A presser featuring both men projected a contrast between Scott believing that the team would be back as of next season, implying a playoff contender. Fletcher's highlight of building best through the draft implied that 2022-23 would not be one to count on as a certain playoff return.

If what Scott saw after that presser though the season's end meets Fletcher's expectations, he should be allowed to continue. Danny Briere was firmly positioned as Fletcher's protege and potential successor this season as well, which is intriguing on various levels.

Season-ending team awards were announced prior to the start of the game.

Cam Atkinson - Bobby Clarke Trophy (team MVP. voted by a local media panel)

Travis Sandheim - Barry Ashbee Trophy (best defenseman, voted by a local media panel)

Travis Sandheim - Pelle Lindbergh Memorial Trophy (most improved player over the current season, voted by the Flyers players)

Zack MacEwen - Gene Hart Memorial Award (Player with the most "heart", strongest work ethic and unwavering dedication. voted by the Flyers Fan Club)

Cam Atkinson - Yanick Dupre Memorial Award (formerly the "Class Guy" award, the honor goes to a Flyers player who exhibits consistent professionalism and rapport with the media, voted by the members of the Philadelphia chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers Association)

Carter Hart - Toyota Cup (player with the most three-star selection points; 5 per each first-star selection, 3 for each second-star honor and one point each time he's selected as the third star).

Lauren Hart – then, now, forever – no one better.

Lou Nolan – on the call at his rightful center ice position.

First period

Martin Jones got the final start, as expected. He paired well with Carter Hart this season, reestablishing himself as a solid veteran. Depending on the interest of the team and Jones, if the money is right, he could return next season.

A solid team effort to prevent a goal inside the crease, with multiple Flyers helping to keep the puck out of the net during a Sandheim penalty toward the half-way point of the period.

Flyers get the first score at 18:31 into the frame on the powerplay. James van Riemsdyk with a nifty between his legs shot. He overtook Atkinson to become the team goal-leader with that play.

Assists Owen Tippett and Ivan Provorov.

Shots: Philadelphia 11 - Ottawa 11

Score: Ottawa 0 - Philadelphia 1

Intermission – Yes, the Mites On Ice. Another evergreen crowd-pleaser.

Second period

MacEwen penalty resulted in a Kevin Hayes chance at the Sens net during the early part of Ottawa's powerplay. No goals were scored during this disadvantage.

Egor Zamula roughing penalty with approximately 12 minutes to go in the period gave the Sens another man advantage. Another clean penalty kill.

The flow of this game feels like a season-ender so far. But the players are giving a decent effort that they know is their last game for many months.

Ottawa scored at 11:51 to tie the game. A turnover by Provorov behind Jones' left shoulder led to a takeaway by Brady Tkachuk and a tap in by Josh Norris. Those productive offensive players can not be allowed that type of chance on a high-scoring percentage situation.

Shots: Philadelphia 6 - Ottawa 13

Score: Ottawa 1- Philadelphia 1

Third period

Travis Hamonic scores at 1:56 into the third. Ottawa assists to Alex Formenton and Thomas Chabot.

Watching Keith Yandle, who is the National Hockey League's reigning Iron Man. The guy gives all he has left to give. It is easy to see why he is respected across the League. (His plus/minus number this season is also understood, based on all factors, which includes the wear and tear and this team's overall defensive challenges.)

A power play with just under 10 minutes to go gave the home team a chance to tie the game. And then another aggression penalty, spurned by Travis Konecny channeling Ken Linesman gave the Flyers a five on three advantage.

Tippet blasted a laser over Anton Forsberg's left shoulder to tie the game at 12:33. Assists to Provorov and Morgan Frost.

Flyers hooking penalty (Linus Hogberg) with at 15:13 to go gave the Sens an unwanted, late advantage.

Tkachuck scored on a wrister over Jones' left shoulder at 16:38. A hard goal to give up after the comeback, which was a rare bird during this season for Philadelphia.

Austin Watson's empty-netter at 18:15 iced the game.

Shots: Philadelphia 17 - Ottawa 12

Final shot totals: Philadelphia 34 - Ottawa 36

Score: Ottawa 4 - Philadelphia 2

After the horn sounded

Some players took off the orange jersey for the final time today. Such is the business of hockey.

The Flyers last won the Stanley Cup in the spring of 1975. They beat the Buffalo Sabres to claim back-to-back titles and won the hearts of fans for generations. This franchise last appeared in the Cup Final in 2010, lost its founder and one of the great forces in National Hockey League history in 2016, and has been attempting to meet his standard of excellence since.

The road ahead is not easy and could take a handful of years. What this franchise needs to achieve is steady progress. Fletcher arguably deserves more time to do so.

On a personal note, as consistently stated in the past, the media staff is first-class, always providing me with access and anything that I need when covering games. Treating a freelancer like me with respect, dating back to when I first started covering the team in 2011, is appreciated.

Yandle took the last puck of the game, shook hands with the Sens coaches and players, and was hugged by his teammates, leaving the ice last. That, along with him leading the pregame stretch and announcing the starting lineup in the locker room implies that today was his last game of his career. 

Full transcripts per the Flyers media department at the postgame presser I attended: 

Philadelphia Flyers Interim Head Coach Mike Yeo

 Does the loss capture how the year has gone this year?

It’s amazing. Yeah, it just sort of sums it up doesn’t it? How many times have we had games similar to that. You battle and you scratch and claw, power play gets on the board, scores a big goal for us, and then find a way to let it slip away at the end. Yeah it’s disappointing.

We talked about late game situations, we talked about habits this morning, why do you think this team throughout the year could never really figure it out?

It’s obviously something that’s got to be corrected. Winning hockey games and understanding that every play can make a difference in the hockey game. Two of the goals that they scored tonight came from an offensive zone situation that we have to learn and recognize how important, how critical those areas are. You look at a number of the goals we’ve given up this year, a lot of them we have the puck on our stick at that particular time so a sense of awareness, game management, clock management, also taking what the other team’s giving you, but just sort of the idea that you have to really have the urgency in those situations to not lose the puck. Taking care of the puck is everything in this game. You can defend all you want but if you turn pucks over you’re going to give the other team momentum. I think we saw that in that second period with us tonight. The things we were doing well in the first period we stopped doing in the second and because of that we lose offense, because of that the other team gets momentum. The other team gets scoring opportunities. 

Something that you did figure out was you had two power play goals, you had a 5-on-3 which is a first, what was looking different tonight?

The power play’s hot. Those guys went out and did a good job. Frosty was a big faceoff for us on the 5-on-3. It’s amazing how many opportunities Tippett’s had lately that haven’t been going in so I’m glad that he got rewarded with that and I like the mindset of it to be honest with you, it’s one pass and it’s just a one-timer, we’re hard at the net and obviously that first goal was a real nice play as well. 

What do you try to convey to the team?

I think first we’ve got to learn. Motivation is not going to be an issue heading into next year, but tonight is not the time for that big message. Had a couple days here to make sure we really have an opportunity to really sit down with the group and sort of make it very clear as far as what the expectations are going forward. Big picture of what we have to become.

Mike you mentioned that the good things you were doing in the first period did not carry over to the second period, why has consistency from period to period been such an issue?

A big part of it is execution. You’re talking about the second period, you’ve got the long change, a great deal of it you see at certain points through the game that there’s plays that are made that are bouncing off our stick and situations where you have to bear down and those opportunities. I also think that it’s again, one area that this group can grow is a willingness to grind more offensively. Quite often I feel like we just want to get the puck and skate though everybody. So the awareness to recognize what the other team is giving you and what they’re taking away in those situations and too many times in that second period we were trying to skate through when we had no speed and turning pucks over. So we’ve got to be willing in those situations to have better speed support, better skating barriers that use a little more indirect plays with the puck to set up our offensive zone play, and we didn’t get enough of that in the second. 

Philadelphia Flyers G Martin Jones

What happened on that scramble play in the first period? Looked like it hit you twice? Can you walk us through that sequence?

One-timer off the flank. It just hit my stick and kind of kicked to the middle. Just scramble mode at that point. Hoggy made a big block, bought me some time, I was able to get back and get the next one.

How much did you guys want to go out with a solid performance for the fans who have been through a very tough year with you guys?

Yep. Would liked to have win that one.

Where do you feel like you fell short there?

I thought we played alright tonight. PK was good. Tough to give up that power play goal late. It’s the way it’s gone for us this year. It’s been tough. But I thought we played alright tonight, we battled hard. 

Philadelphia Flyers RW Owen Tippett

How did it feel to break through and score?

Obviously the last couple of games I’ve feel like I’ve gotten the chances, so like you said, it’s nice to get one and to break through.

When we spoke to Mike Yeo he said he liked the mentality of the goal, not just the goal itself, how much of that do you bring, that one-timer get the puck on the net mentality to your game?

I think it was just right off the faceoff we knew we didn’t have much time left on the 5-on-3 and we wanted to get something to the net as quick as possible and Provy made a nice pass over and I think it bounced off one of their guys and found the way. 

At the end of the day how do you evaluate it with your time in Florida?

I think I started to find my game. With opportunity, comes confidence, and when you play with confidence you start holding on to the puck more and making those plays and I feel like I was getting solid chances each and every game. I like where my game finished.

 Philadelphia Flyers LW James van Riemsdyk

The power play’s been such an issue for you guys this season, to get two on tonight I know it's the end of the season but that’s gotta at least give you guys a pretty decent feeling coming out of the night that you at least get something out of it.

Overall it's never a good thing to finish last in a category like that, especially an important one like that. It’s a big difference if your power play’s in the top 10 vs. dead last and who knows how that can affect our season. I don’t know how to fully analyze it. I guess I need to collect my thoughts about that. I don’t know, obviously tonight we executed things and kinda took what they gave us and were able to get two.

James, why do you think that it has been a problem all year closing out games and avoiding those back breaking goals late in the third periods?

I don’t know. That’s obviously the million dollar question, there were times like you said I don’t know what the stats are (inaudible) felt like just down the stretch a lot of times we were right there and taking games into the third period in a decent spot. Kind of got away from us but I don’t know if that comes from recognizing situations in games a little bit better and knowing the time and the score and things like that and kind of really reacting to those situations or what. Certainly not how you are successful.

James, you were the only guy on the team who was able to dress in all 82 games this year, is that something you take some personal pride in?

Yeah definitely I take a lot of pride in how I prepare myself to play.   Especially now as you get a bit older you figure out what works and what doesn’t work.   You certainly take pride in being the guy that’s reliable and playing in all the games and being there for practice and setting an example that way. Obviously production wise I did better this year and definitely some things I can take into the summer and try to work on and improve upon, but as far as just being able to show up and be out there for all 82 and not missing practice and stuff like that. Obviously, that’s always a good quality.

Behind the Hockey Scenes: Philadelphia Flyers vs. Chicago Blackhawks

Pregame - Press Level - Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, PA.

Introductions

Philadelphia enters the afternoon tilt (3 PM puck drop on ABC) at 16-28-10. The Flyers are in last place in the Metro. 

Chicago is 20-27-8 and in seventh place in the Central division of the Western Conference. 

Both teams will be selling into the National Hockey League's trade deadline on March 21. The pending end of the Claude Giroux era highlights this Flyers' season and current plight. 

Martin Jones starts in goal for the Flyers. 

Kevin Lankinen starts in goal for the Blackhawks.

The Marvel Comics theme event resulted in what appears to be one of the larger actual attendance volumes of the season. 

First period

Philly scored first on a nice tip in front by Oskar Lindblom - His ninth of the season at 4:46. Assisted by Travis Sandheim and the returning Kevin Hayes. 

Giroux was dumped in front of the Blackhawks' net moments later, with the captain getting up slowly. The interference penalty did not result in an injury, which is not what this organization needs, weeks before the anticipated deal of one of its all-time great players. 

Back-and-forth play through the frame, with few high-percentage chances.

Shots: Philadelphia – 12 – Chicago 10

Score: Philadelphia – 1 Chicago 0

Intermission: Mites on Ice included a great goal by number 28. Fitting.

Second period 

Chicago's leading goal scorer, Alex DeBrincat scored his thirty-first of the season, 24 seconds into the period. Assisted by Jonathan Toews. Philadelphia could not hold the lead on multiple occasions against Minnesota on Thursday, eventually losing 5-4.

Caleb Strome scored his tenth of the year at 12:39 on a close-in shot that Jones had no chance to stop. Assisted by Patrick Kane and Dominik Kubilick. 

A sharp tic-tac-toe play gave Cam Atkinson an easy goal at 15:28, to tie the game at 2-2. It was his nineteenth of the season. Assisted by Joel Farabee. A melee ensued after the goal with a roughing penalty to Toews, putting the Flyers on the powerplay. Derick Brassard and Calvin De Haan also were to the box for roughing. 

Chicago quickly reclaimed the lead, with Strome scoring at 18:02. Jones could not stop the wrister over his left shoulder from close range. The goal, his second of the game, was unassisted. 

Shots: Philadelphia – 7 – Chicago 12

Score: Philadelphia – 2 - Chicago 3

Intermission: Fan attempts at goal targets reinforced the skill seen on the ice in-game.

Third period 

Farabee appeared to tip in a shot Brassard shot through Lankinen at 3:09. But the puck crossed the goal line before Farabee added the helper. It was Brassard's fifth tally of the season. Assisted by Atkinson, along with the aforementioned Farabee.

Atkinson ripped the puck with a wicked wrist shot past Lankinen at 8:28. It was his second of the game and twentieth goal of the season. Assisted by Farabee. 

Kevin Connaughton left the ice after being hit hard against the boards by Kirby Dach, who was not penalized. He was involved in a few physical plays before the last hit he received. 

All players on the ice by the Flyers goal, including Jones, became involved in pushing, shoving, and some fisticuffs at 11:49. 

Off-setting roughing penalties to Connor Murphy, Caleb Jones, Travis Konecny, and Rasmus Ristolainen resulted.

Seth Jones held Lindblom at 12:42. But Lindblom was charged with a double-minor for high-sticking, giving Chicago the power play. 

An undisciplined Too Many Men On The Ice penalty gave the Flyers a power play with 1:26 left in the game. Served by Kubilick. 

Chicago pulled their goalie and called a 30-second time out with 29.3 seconds remaining after a stoppage due to the puck hitting the screen in the Flyers' offensive zone.

Shots: Philadelphia – 8 (27 total) Chicago -7 (29 total)

Final Score: Philadelphia – 4 Chicago - 3

After the horn sounded

The team responded to head coach, Mike Yeo's impassioned post-game address that he described as a one-way talk.

The Flyers went 0-4 on the power play. 

Hayes looked solid in his return to the team after being out since mid-January.

Unless he misses a time, Giroux's 1,000 game in a Flyers' uniform will happen at home on March 17, against the Nashville Predators. 

(Photos courtesy of Sean O'Brien.)

Per the Flyers Media Department: Philadelphia's regular season home winning streak against Chicago dates back 17 games, to March 31, 1998. Of course Flyers fans recall that the team lost one playoff game to the Blackhawks in 2010. That was the decisive Game 6 loss in the Stanley Cup Final. The 4-3 decision happened in overtime and represents the last time the franchise has appeared in the Final since that fateful June 9 day in Philadelphia.

The following quotes from the post-game presser are courtesy of the Flyers Media Department, with media questions noted: 

Philadelphia Flyers Interim Head Coach Mike Yeo

 

After Thursday's game and then again on Friday you sent a message to the group that you expected more. Are you happy with the response today even though it wasn't a perfect game?

No, it wasn't a perfect game, no question. Set it off in the second period and we talked about a winning attitude and just kind of recognize that we are down a goal and at home here. I liked the way we came out in the third, that's for sure. So positive stuff. 

 

How pleased were you with the first and the second line as a whole?

Oh they were outstanding obviously. We needed something. It was disappointing to give up that goal late in the period because that should of been a moment to really build off of in the game. Not just the fact that they scored it, but how they scored it. For a little while here lately, I feel like we have been a rush or nothing team. When you play like that you end up defending too much and obviously it is a little more difficult to create some offense as a team who hasn't given up a lot against the rush. So for us to recognize that and get it off the forecheck, that is what we needed in that situation. 

 

How was it to see Kevin Hayes come back in the lineup?

I thought he looked good and had some looks. One thing about Haysey is he has got great instincts. He sees the ice and sees the game well. But he was clearly moving better than he was when he left the lineup when he was playing earlier in the season. Hopefully a real positive step and hopefully he can maintain that because he is a real valuable player for our group. Both from the leadership perspective and his love of the game and also the way he can play and contribute.

 

Mike, did you like the way Derick Brassard responded? Said he came into your office yesterday to get to work.

That is what we are looking for. I said it before the game. Accountability, it is one thing to say it, but you've gotta go out and do it. He definitely did that tonight. 

 

Mike, what is Kevin Connauton’s status right now?

I haven't got an update, but obviously what I saw it did not look too good. I went in after the game to try and find him, but he was still getting looked at so I haven't gotten a report yet. 

 

Chicago Blackhawks Head Coach Derek King

 

So was that not the way you wanted the third period to go?

It wasn’t exactly the way we drew it up. Overall, I think that we battled and played well. We just couldn’t hold on to that lead. We got a little sloppy at times and maybe a little anxious. They strike on you. They got some guys that can put the puck in the net.

 

How do you explain the four too many men penalties in two games?

That’s on me. I can do a better job on the bench. Making sure these guys know exactly who is out there. That’s my responsibility. There’s a little bit of anxiousness where we trying to do the same right things, we’re working and we’re jumping a little too early. We just want to get in there and try to be that guy that gets a goal. That’s definitely on me and I’ll clean that up.

 

At the end there, you guys had seven guys in the o-zone. How does that happen?

Maybe I didn’t have the right guys going on that. It’s just miscommunication. I’ll be better.

 

Was this a fun game to be a part of?

It was like an old 80’s game at the old Spectrum, with the scrums and everything after. We always want to play exciting hockey. I thought we were doing a good job. We just kind of cut back on our heels. They tilted the ice on us. We made a few mistakes with passing and penalties weren’t going right our way. There’s some work we have to do. Clean up in some areas and go right back at it tomorrow.

 

Lankinen’s been playing well but gets a few by him…

He’s playing. He deserves better. I think we deserve a little better. He’s making some saves. He made some good saves for us earlier in the game. It’s unfortunate that the one that goes in that goes over him that he was screened on was a little unfortunate. Again, no excuses. We know we’re down and we pull our goalie, there’s no excuses for a too many men call. Again, that’s on me and I’ll work to be better at it. Hopefully, the next time we’re in that position, we have the right guys on the ice and we score a goal.

Philadelphia Flyers LW Joel Farabee & C Kevin Hayes

 

Kevin, first game back. How did it feel out there?

It felt pretty good. I was lucky enough to get a few chances right away and get my confidence back. It is nice when you are getting grade A’s right away and playing with good players. 

 

Kevin, we just talked to Mike and he said he felt like you were moving better in this game than the past. Did you kind of feel that as well?

This is ‘night and day’ compared to how I felt the previous I don't know 15 games I played. 

 

Joel, it has been awhile since you, Cam and Derick were in a line together. Was it really easy to find that chemistry? 

Yeah, I think in the first we were kind of fighting it a little bit. I think Derick said to me “just stick with it.” I think playing with two older guys they really understand that part of the game. We kind of just waited for our chances and executed when we needed to. 

 

Joel, we heard that Derick said he wasn't pleased with how he played last game. How do you think he stepped up and adjusted?

Yeah, for sure. I think with Brass he is a guy that is really good on faceoffs and is really responsible. When he is playing his A-game it is fun to play with and he is a huge part of this team.

 

Philadelphia Flyers RW Cam Atkinson

 

How does it feel back together with Derrick and Joel, your line, looks like you guys found that chemistry together again right away?

Yeah I think in the first period we were easing our way into it a little bit but once we started making plays and supporting each other that’s when the right plays were there to be made and we just capitalized on opportunities.

 

Is there something special about the way those two guys play or the way you guys all complement each other that makes that line flow so well?

I think they’re always looking to play. They know I like to shoot the puck. I think we just support each other, that’s the biggest thing. That’s what we talked about before the game is being close and making those little 5-foot plays. It was nice to finally get a couple goals as a line.

 

Did it surprise you how quick the chemistry came back?

No. Those guys are really good players. I think we had our legs, too, which helps. Like I said, I don’t think our first period, it wasn’t anything special. But when we started making those plays and feeling good about ourselves and wanting the puck and wanting to make a difference, that's when things opened up for us.

 

Chicago Blackhawks D Seth Jones

 

How would you sum this game up?

I thought we played a pretty good game. We had a lead on the road at a tough building to play in. Up 3-2, we were feeling pretty good about our game. The last two goals that we gave up were unforced errors on our part.

 

How do the too many men penalties happen?

I don’t know to be honest. Two in our last game, two tonight. That should be good for the whole season. We need better communication.

 

What was it like to be in a game like today’s?

It was fun. I think everyone loves playing in games like that. It was intense. There were a lot of team meetings in front of each net. Tonight, it felt like a playoff atmosphere. We were in it physically and mentally. It sucks being on the wrong side, but I love the intensity we were playing in. In the scrums, all of our guys were in there. It was great to see especially in the tough time that we’re in right now. We have got to stick together.

Philadelphia Flyers G Martin Jones

 

Martin, what do you think the difference was between this third period and the third period you guys had on Thursday? You kinda flipped the script there.

I thought we tracked really well all night. Just the way the game was, it was obviously a very physical game and the guys didn’t really have a choice but to be engaged and kinda battling out there real hard. I thought we did a good job around the net and checked real hard.

 

Martin this was a game trailing after two periods really could have gone sideways the rest of the way (inaudible) was the mood in the room that this game was still winnable going into the final period?

We were down one goal, of course it was winnable. We’ve talked a lot recently about games that have been right there for us and we’ve talked about closing games out and just doing a better job just making sure we’re detail oriented and doing all the little things that help you win hockey games especially in the third period.

 

Martin, Kevin Hayes said that Mike Yeo called the team out pretty loudly after the last game. Do you think his message was perceived by you guys?

Yup.

 

How do you think the message was perceived? Obviously you guys showed it in the third period (inaudible).

I think the whole game we we’re really physically engaged and it was a strong game for us.

Chicago Blackhawks C Dylan Strome

 

Tough one. How would you sum that one up?

Yeah, I mean obviously it’s a tough way to lose. Have a lead going into the third gotta play better than we did, and then obviously can’t take that penalty that late in the game. Kind of finally got that power play there after all the scrums and couldn't capitalize so obviously that one sucks. It felt like we played pretty good and probably deserved a bit better than that.

 

That too many men on the ice, I don’t remember who was on for it, but how does that kind of thing happen now 4 in 2 games?

I mean that can’t happen obviously so gotta clean that up. It’s obviously not one guy, it’s kind of everyone gotta be aware of who you’re taking on the ice. If your guy comes off, you gotta go on, and if he doesn’t come off you’ve gotta be aware of that. It maybe looked like he was coming off and he didn’t come off. Those types of things happen. I’m really not sure how many how many we have this whole year but I don’t think it’s more than like six, and we have one in the last two games so the first 40-50 games, we’ve had two. That stuff happens sometimes so obviously gotta clean it up and give ourselves a better chance to tie it at the end.

 

Two goals for yourself, continuing to play well individually lately, what have you thought of your game?

I thought the line played pretty good. Some good chances. Capitalized, obviously Kane makes a great pass I just had to put it in the net. That was a heck of a play. Second one tried to hit Cat, puck came back to me.  Tried to help the team win obviously, playing more minutes you want to be the guy that’s relied upon to score and to help the team win. I feel like that’s what I can try to do to help the team win and get it done and obviously we were close tonight.

 

Philadelphia Flyers C Derick Brassard

 

What changed between the last game and today’s?

Just trying to play better in the other game. It’s a long season. There’s going to be some ups and downs. Not everything is going to go your way every night. You’re not going to play your best, but you have to bounce back and just try to bring my density a little bit higher. I haven’t played in a while. You know this is my fourth game since all that time. Just trying to go harder tonight.

 

How much help did you get with playing with Joel and Cam?

They’re two really good offensive players. I think we had success early on in the season. It’s just that the playmaking game of Farabee and the finish of Atkinson… I think it’s a good line and tonight we came out big for the team. We scored some key goals in some key moments in the game and those two guys were buzzing around.

 

Is it easier to play in a very physical game?

With everything that has been going on this year, it’s been pretty hard on the guys and we’ve been battling pretty hard the last few months. We’re trying to build something here.  We met and we felt like we could play better today. I think that the intensity of everyone went up tonight and we competed hard and it kind of shows that when we work hard, that we’re going to have success. It was a really good effort by our team tonight. Everyone played really strong. We know when with the intensity and the scrums after the whistle, the crowd likes that and gave us some energy so I think we used that tonight.

Inside Access: Philadelphia Flyers vs. Tampa Bay Lightning

 

Introductions

My first trip to the Wells Fargo Center since the virus-shortened 2019-20 season. The organization's media relations department remains, as it has always been, first-rate. The experience has held since 2011 when I was first credentialed.

Pregame as a member of the media includes a good meal (chicken Marsala, with nice sides, soup, and a chocolate chunk cookie) on the lower level, followed by setup. Looking down at the empty arena before any game is always a surreal moment, as personal hockey history, dating back to the 1970s and career sports experience, dating back to the late 1980s, collides. Use of that verb, rather than combines, felt right based on the nature of this sport.

The Philadelphia Flyers (8-9-4) enters the tilt as pressure continues to build, with seven consecutive losses (including one by shootout and another in overtime). The Tampa Bay Lightning (14-5-4). At this pace, the Flyers face a challenge remaining in the playoff hunt. The reigning, two-time Stanley Cup champion Lightning could three-peat.

Claude Giroux is the Flyers leading scorer with 18 points. The Lightning have three players at 20 points or above, led by Steven Stamkos, 26 points. Victor Hedman is second in scoring, with 23 points. That contrasts with the Flyers lack of its top D-man, Ryan Ellis, who was the key off-season addition, is reinforced as a result.

Lightning starters: Former Flyer, goalie Brian Elliott, defensemen Jan Rutta, Hedman, and forwards Alex Killorn, Gabriel Fortier, and Anthony Cirelli.

Flyers starters: Goalie Carter Hart, defenseman Ivan Provorov, Rasmus Ristolainen, Giroux, Cam Atkinson, and Sean Couturier. Also, Patrick Brown returns after missing time due to injury.

The evergreen sound of Lauren Hart, with the digital flag-waving full-ice, as the anthem plays, never tires.

A fitting moment of silence for Flyers executive Phil Weinberg, who recently passed, reminds fans of the family feel that has been a prominent part of this team's storied history. He is considered by many to be second only to founder Ed Snider as the most important off-ice figure in franchise history.

First period

Flyers with the early shot advantage (6-2), through nearly the first seven minutes of the game. A potential Lightning goal review confirmed that the puck did not cross the goal line at 7:08.

Hart's calm demeanor reflects what he's recaptured or re-instituted following last season's sidetrack. However, defensive issues continue.

Tampa goal at 8:24, scored by Ryan McDonaugh (his second goal of the season). Assists from Stamkos and Mathieu Joseph.

The lead doubled exactly one minute later, as Corey Perry scored (his fourth of the season). Assists from McDonagh and former Flyer, Pierre-Edouard Bellemare.

Flyers are outshooting the Lightning 12-8 with nearly eight minutes remaining in the frame.

Minimal pressure on Moose (who is 36), which he could not claim last season. The volume of games he was needed in during the 2020-21 season wore him down, with this season's move to Martin Jones (32) deemed necessary.

Shots: Philadelphia 14 - Tampa 9

Score: Tampa 2 - Philadelphia 0

Intermission Mites On Ice is always a crowd-pleaser.

Giroux Flyers offensive Time-on-ice leader (6:50) in this period. Last year of his contract and time in Philadelphia? Later season trade potential, if this team does not reverse course and Giroux (who has a no-movement clause) agrees to be dealt from the team he captains.

Second period

Tampa took it to 3-0 at the 2:56 mark. Goal scored by Taylor Raddysh (his second of the season). Assists from Hedman and Ross Colton.

Flyers had a 10-game losing streak during the Hakstol era but made the playoffs. A loss today would put them two away from a double-digit line no one wants to reach.

Game likely out of reach at 6:47. Boris Katchouk (his first of the season). Assists from Colton and Hedman.

During a Flyers power play - A misplay by Hart turned the puck over to Joseph, who scored an unassisted and short-handed goal at 8:34. The goal was Joseph's fourth overall of the season.

That led to Hart's pull from the game, with Jones replacing him.

Strong teams know how to sink the knife on a weakened opponent. Flyers need to regain composure and try to outscore Lightning from here on out to gain something from this game.

Philadelphia out-shooting Tampa Bay 19-17 through slightly over thirteen minutes into the period.

Nothing to show on a power play, as the Flyers' offensive zone confidence was shaken weeks ago.

A goal review took place, with the position of Scott Laughton's stick, when he touched a puck that then crossed the goal line, being in doubt. It was determined that a high stick was used. So, no goal. Yes, it is one of those games for Alain Vigneault's squad.

Shots: Philadelphia 23- Tampa 18

Score: Tampa 5 - Philadelphia 0

Another Mites On Ice gave the crowd something to cheer for.

Third period

The sixth goal was scored by former Flyers' property, Pat Maroon (his fifth of the season) at 5:29. Assists from Perry and Hedman.

A brawl ensued shortly after behind Elliott, with the fans offering a 1970's style cheers. Flyers gained the man advantage at 6:38, hoping to avoid the shutout. And they did, as a deflected goal by Atkinson (his eighth of the season), on a shot by Giroux, made the score 6-1 at 7:04. The other assist went to Keith Yandle.

Atkinson ended a goal drought that dates back to the Flyers last win, on November 16, 2021, against the Calgary Flames. His tally was the OT game-winner.

Perry got his second of the night at 14:15, to make it 7-1. Assists from McDonagh and Colton.

Sean Couturier was hit by a puck in the mouth in the second period, which caused significant bleeding. He returned and was wearing a cage.

Shots: Philadelphia 39 - Tampa 27

Score: Tampa 7 - Philadelphia 1

After the horn sounded

Vigneault and General Manager Chuck Fletcher have not made injury excuses. This team and others have battled that challenge.

Fletcher did change and arguably lengthen the roster in the off-season. But he is still building depth. So, injuries have reinforced organizational challenges that persist. 

The following quotes from the post-game presser are courtesy of the Flyers Media Department, with media questions noted:

Philadelphia Flyers Head Coach Alain Vigneault

 

You couldn’t have asked for a better start in the first 5 minutes of the game, what happened after that?

That’s a good question. I really liked out energy and we talked about setting a fast-paced game against a team who played last night, which we did initially. I think we still kept going at them hard after their first goal and their second goal for whatever reason hurt us. They were able to find the back of our net after their first couple chances. It didn’t go well for us, and we will have to regroup here since we don’t have a lot of time before we play tomorrow.

 

What do you tell your team after a game like this?

At the end of the day no one is going to feel sorry for us. We had two good practice days and I thought we came out hard, but obviously everything that unfolded after their second goal wasn’t very good. We will get back at it here tomorrow and have a couple quick meetings and get our guys focused on what we need to do on the ice and hopefully we can bring the energy and execution against a really solid team.

 

Are you and the team just struggling for answers right now?

We are looking for solutions to our situation. We all have a job to do and need to get to work and do our part. The guy that is the leader of this group who has both his hands on the steering wheel is me and I have to find a way to get this group to play better. We are in a bad skid right now and we need to end this. We have an opportunity tomorrow night and hopefully we will play better.

 

Will Jones be in goal?

Yes.

Philadelphia Flyers G Carter Hart

 

Is it hard as a team to keep out negative thoughts?

I mean obviously not the result we want, but I think we are trying hard. Just things aren’t going our way right now. It’s tough, but we just have to stick with it. It can be hard to do that when things aren’t going our way, but we just got to keep working. We started off hot and came out hard, but they got a couple early and it went from there. 

 

What happened on your final goal?

I mean I just turned it over and they put it on the net. 

 

Were you okay leaving the crease or do you think you should have stayed?

I mean I was trying to get it off the boards and I didn’t, and it was put in the net. It was a tough break and I have to make a better play. 

Philadelphia Flyers LW James van Riemsdyk

 

James, you guys had basically the start you wanted in the game. When things are going the way they are, how easy is it to have negative thoughts?

Like you said, I thought we got off to a good start. They bent but didn’t break. Unfortunately, when they got a couple, it seemed to snowball on us. It seems to be the way it’s been going for us lately.

 

Does it feel a lot like last season when one thing went wrong, it became part of that downward spiral that you talked all training camp about avoiding. Does it feel like that?

Yeah, it’s hard to say. Certainly, tonight it went that way for sure. I don’t know. It’s hard to really put your finger on it.  Obviously not good enough and I think we’re capable of a lot better.

 

It seems like some guys are passing up opportunities on some pretty good chances or overthinking it. Why do you think that is and how do you go about fixing that?

I think we have a lot of guys in there that really care and want to do well. When it’s not going our way like it is right now, sometimes that can creep in a little bit. I think as hard as it can be, we have to do a good job of staying positive and just sticking to playing direct and try to play with your instincts. That’s usually when you play your best. Obviously, we know we’ve dug ourselves a little bit of a hole here, but we have a big game tomorrow night. We have to have the mindset and the attitude that it starts tomorrow and have a good game, good first shift, good first period, and then build off that.

 

Philadelphia Flyers RW Cam Atkinson

 

AV said he’s the one with his hands on the steering wheel, is it a little embarrassing when you come out and perform like that and he’s the one who has to take the heat?

Absolutely, it’s not a little embarrassing, at the end of the day it’s the players that have to dig deep, and obviously stick together. I’ve been in a lot worse situations than this. At the end of the day, we have to take a little pride in coming to the rink and battling. It’s ultimately the players that are going to dig ourselves out of this. I think we had a good conversation after the game. Luckily, we have another opportunity tomorrow to just play the right way- play hard, play for each other.

 

Do you think you guys are over-passing, overthinking certain plays in the offensive zone?

Yeah, sometimes or most of the times it looks like we’re trying to pass the puck into the net. We need to shoot the puck. That’s where you get rebounds. I think we’re trying to be a little too cute. We score all our goals in the dirty areas. We’re not in position to try making those plays. The more shots, the more opportunities we’re going to get. Sometimes when you get those opportunities, it goes off your shin pad, or off your skate, whatever it is.

 

You said there was a conversation between the players after the game. What was the theme of that conversation?

I think, I said in the first question, just play with pride, play for each other. Obviously, we’re embarrassed. There’s no question about that. Our fans are, they support us, and to lay a goose egg like that in front of them, it’s embarrassing. Take a hard look in the mirror and we have another opportunity tomorrow. Let’s get back on track.

 

Philadelphia Flyers C Claude Giroux

 

AV talked about how you guys had two good days of practice and liked where everyone was. The you have a game like tonight, how do you reconcile those two things?

We started well and had some good shifts. They scored the one and they played the right way.

 

Do you get the sense that right now this is a fragile team, where one thing goes wrong and it snowballs?

I mean if you look at the game tonight, yeah. I think that is pretty accurate. I have played a lot of embarrassing games, and this is definitely one of them. We need to figure it out pretty quick here.

 

Cam said you guys had a good conversation in the locker room after the game, what was the theme of that conversation?

Well obviously, that is going to stay there. Personally, I have been on a team here where we lost 10 in a row and made the playoffs, so I know it may be weird to say but we do have confidence in each other. We can be a dangerous team and we know we can win some hockey games. Right now, we just need to find our swagger, compete and play 60 minutes. Right now, we just aren’t doing that.

Tampa Bay Lightning G Brian Elliott

 

After spending so much time here, was this an important experience/game that you win?

Anytime that you come to a building that you’ve played a while at, you want to have success, you want to shake off the demons. It’s something that you definitely circle in the calendar and if you get a chance to play you want to do your best. We’re coming off a game that we probably didn’t play our best, in Boston we got two points and back-to-back while they were waiting for us. It’s sometimes the recipe for disaster but I thought our guys responded, saw some big goals from the young guys coming through with fresh legs. Get seven, hopefully get a win.

 

Did you hear some of those Moose calls in the stands?

No, you never know if it's a ‘boo’ or a ‘moose’, so you try not to listen to them. It was the same when I was playing here. You try to zone it out.

 

First five or so minutes of the game you had to be really sharp coming off the back-to-back, until your team got their legs going, how aware of that are you as a goalie and can you talk about that first stretch there for you?

They’re a desperate team over there, I’ve been in that situation with the same team. It’s not a good feeling when you’re not getting the results you want. We knew they were going to come hard with a bit of a push. I thought we did a really good job weathering it and moving on from that. It shows the maturity and the culture in our room to be able to do that. It’s a big two points to bag and move on to the Canadian leg of our trip here.