The Philadelphia Flyers dropped their second straight preseason game. Losing to the Washington Capitals 3-1 Wednesday night at the Wells Fargo Center.
After giving up 16-shots in the 1st period in their preseason opener, the Flyers were not off on the right foot. But, thanks to goalie Felix Sandstrom, none made it by the Swede.
In his second game action of the preseason, it was a little bit easier 1st period for Sandstrom. Making just 5-saves.
“I really like when goal-tenders look like he looks,” associate head coach Brad Shaw about Sandstrom. “Very calm in the net; very efficient.”
The lower shot count was due to the Flyers getting in-front of shots. Something that will be a big part of head coach John Tortorella’s structure.
Through the first 20-minutes, the Flyers blocked 8-shots. Which was one more than the Flyers had last night in Buffalo.
However, in the 2nd period, what can potentially happen when you don’t block shots happened.
The Capitals jumped on the Flyers early in the 2nd period. Firing 7-shots on net in the first 8-minutes of the period. Two of those shot made it by Felix Sandstrom to give the Capitals a 2-0 lead after the 2nd period.
Washington finished the 2nd period with 2-goals on 10-shots. The Flyers had just 2-blocks in the 2nd period.
Wade Allison Shines
Just one-minute into the 3rd period, Wade Allison was whistled for a hooking penalty. A penalty that pretty much saved the Capitals from going up 3-0.
After exiting the box, Allison followed the puck into the Capitals zone and went to work. Just 24-seconds later, the Flyers were on the board. Big thanks to the gritty forward doing what he needs to do to make the roster.
Allison laid a big hit at the Capitals blue-line forcing a turnover. This lead to a 2v1 for the Flyers and their first goal of the night.
“That’s Wade’s game,” Kevin Hayes said postgame. “Plays heavy, plays hard; he is one of those guys trying to certify himself in the NHL.”
While Allison did not get an assist on the play, it was his hard work & play that stood out. As it did for most of the night.
Even in a 3-1 loss, Allison played hard every shift and it showed. Catching the eye of his associate head coach Brad Shaw.
“His game got better as he went along,” Shaw said after the game. “Moved him up in the lineup and deservedly so.”
Loose Pucks…
- Felix Sandstrom started his 2nd game this preseason. Tonight, Sandstrom stopped 13 of the 15 shots he faced. “He is going to make it tough on the final decision,” associate head coach Brad Shaw said.
- Tony DeAngelo made his debut in a Flyers uniform. While DeAngelo had some good moments, even Tony himself was not happy with his play. “Haven’t played in a while; got to get in the habitat of feeling guys; didn’t do a good job of that tonight.”
- Kevin Hayes made his preseason debut. With Sean Couturier injured, Hayes will be the Flyers #1 center to start the season. Something Hayes is just happy to be fully healthy for. “Its completely night & day. Feels good to play a game and not having to come back & talk to the trainer every shift.”
- Rasmus Ristolainen struggled in his debut. Ristolainen had a bad turnover late in the 3rd period that led to a Capitals 2v0 and the eventual 3rd Capitals goal.
- In the 2nd period, the Flyers gave up two goals in the first 8-minutes. Something that associate head coach was not too pleased about. “2nd period’s are a reflection of good teams; if we want to become a good team, we have to clean up our 2nd periods.”
Result : Capitals 3 – Flyers 1 , LOSE
Record : 1 – 2 – 0
Next Game : Saturday 10/1 vs Boston Bruins, Boston MA, 1:00pm
PHOTO CREDIT: Mitchell Leff – Getty Images
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