Flyers Struggle To Find Momentum, Another 3rd Period Loss

The Philadelphia Flyers could not generate any momentum after scoring the opening goal. Loss to the Washington Capitals 4-1 Wednesday night at the Wells Fargo Center.

In the closing minutes of Monday’s 5-3 win over the Avalanche, the Flyers made some poor decisions. Something that John Tortorella noted were just bad “situational plays” and unnecessary with a 4-1 lead.

“Situational plays so important, especially for this team here,” Tortorella added this morning. “Think we struggled to really understand momentums of games, whether it be youth or older guys. That’s a huge part of getting some consistency and winning is understanding situational play.”

While its not something that can be fixed overnight, momentum swings have been a problem for the Flyers all season.

Tonight, it was no different.

After taking a 1-0 lead, Kevin Hayes scoring his 9th goal of the season on the power-play, the Flyers needed a good next shift. Instead, the Capitals pinned the Flyers in their own zone. Before taking their second penalty of the night.

In the first 22-minutes, the Flyers committed four penalties. Leading to the Capitals opening goal on their fourth power-play of the night.

Like Monday, even though a team is dealing with injuries, the Flyers continue to do themselves no favors. Giving another potent power-play too many chances.

Over the past 17-years, the Flyers have allowed 60 power-play goals to the Capitals in 73 games. 

James van Riemsdyk Returns

After missing the last 20 games due to a broken finger, James van Riemsdyk made his return to the lineup.

van Riemsdyk, who was playing in his first game since October 23rd, made his return on a line with Morgan Frost and Owen Tippett. A line that was very productive before van Riemsdyk was injured.

To make room for van Riemsdyk, Tanner Laczynski was placed on injured reserve with a lower-body injury.

In his return, van Riemsdyk has 2-shots on goal in 12:17.

Loose Pucks…

1. The power-play continued its red hot stretch. Adding another goal tonight. It was the first time since March 2021 the Flyers have power-play goals in three-straight games.
2. Alex Ovechkin was held pointless for 58:27… well, until Ovechkin scored two empty net goals.
3. Kevin Hayes added another point to his season total. Keeping up his point per game pace – 9 goals & 18 assists.

Result : Capitals 4 – Flyers 1 , LOSS

Record :   9 – 13 – 5

Next Game : Friday 12/9 , Vegas Golden Knights , Las Vegas NV , 10:00pm

PHOTO CREDIT: Mitchell Leff – Getty Images