The Philadelphia Flyers dropped their 10th straight game for the second time this season. Losing to the Columbus Blue Jackets 2-1 Thursday night at the Wells Fargo Center.
After a slow start by both teams, just 5-shots combined between both teams in the first 10-minutes of play, the 1st period would pick up. But, both goalies would stand tall & send the game scoreless into the 2nd period.
Just 2:02 into the 2nd period, Columbus thought they took a 1-0 lead. However, after a Flyers coaches challenge, the goal would be called back for goalie interference.
But, with 8:07 left in the 2nd period, Columbus would take the lead.
Ivan Provorov’s exit pass out of the Flyers zone would be intercepted at the blue line & deflect right to Oliver Bjorkstrand. Who was all alone in-front & beat Carter Hart for his 12th goal of the season.
In the 3rd period, Columbus would add to their lead just 2:44 into the period.
Jake Voracek would outmuscle Ivan Provorov on the forecheck & win the puck in the corner. Boone Jeener would get the puck & find Patrik Laine in the slot. Who would beat Carter Hart high over the blocker.
With 7:20 left in the 3rd period, the Flyers would make it a one-goal game.
Gerry Mayhew, who was the best Flyer on the night, got his first in a Flyers uniform. Mayhew used his speed to get to a loose puck at the point & would fire one home past a screened Elvis Merzlikins.
Nothing would come of a late Flyers push as they would go on to lose their 10th straight.
Carter Hart stopped 27 of the 29-shots he faced in the losing effort.
Losing Streak Continues, 10-Straight
After yet another slow start & falling behind once again, the Flyers showed fight. But, in the end had nothing to show for it.
This tale continues to haunt the Flyers who lost their 10th straight game. Matching their 10-game losing streak from earlier this season.
It was the first time in 37-years a team has lost 10-straight twice in the first half of a season.
Since the Flyers first loss to start their first 10-game losing streak on November 18th, the Flyers are 5-15-6.
Jake Voracek’s Return To Philadelphia
In need of change, Flyers GM Chuck Fletcher made some trades in the offseason. One trade came at the expensive of Jake Voracek.
Voracek, who was sent to Columbus for Cam Atkinson, made his return to Philadelphia for the first time.
During his 10-seasons in Philadelphia, Voracek played in 727-games for the Flyers. Scoring 177-goals & 427-assists. Including adding 46-goals & 162-assists on the power-play. Which ranks 8th in Flyers history.
In his return, Voracek helped set up the eventual game-winning goal in the 3rd with his forecheck. Finishing a +1 in 16:25 of ice time.
Home Cooking
The Flyers will be in Philadelphia a lot over the next 6-weeks. 38 of a possible 43 days to be exact.
Starting next Wednesday, the Flyers will leave town to just twice to play just two road-games.
With the NHL revising the schedule to accommodate postponed games due to covid, six Flyers games will now be played over the Olympic break.
To finish off their long stay at home, the Flyers will have an 8-game home stand. A new franchise record.
Result : Blue Jackets 2 – Flyers 1 , LOSS
Record : 13 – 19 – 8
Next Game : Saturday 1/22 vs Buffalo Sabres , Buffalo NY , 1:00pm
Photo Credit : Tim Nwachukwu – Getty Images
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