Flyers Find A Way To Lose Again

The Philadelphia Flyers came back three times today against the Metro leading Carolina Hurricanes. But, in the end, found yet another way to lose. Losing 4-3 in overtime.

With the Hurricanes playing in Pittsburgh yesterday afternoon, the Flyers needed a hot start to jump on the tired Hurricanes. Something that resulted in a dominant 1st period.

The Flyers controlled the play, out-hustled the Hurricanes, & did exactly what they needed to do.

However, even with the 12-2 shot differential, the Flyers failed to end the period with anything to show for. Including outshooting the Hurricanes 7-0 over the first 10:43 of play.

Just 24-seconds into the 2nd period, the Flyers would pay for not having anything to show for a great 1st period. As Carolina would take a 1-0 lead.

But, 35-seconds later, the Flyers would answer.

Gerry Mayhew would get 6th goal of the season. It was Mayhew’s 3rd goal in his last two games. Justin Braun, who had the primary assist on the goal, extended his point streak to 3-games.

Just over the midway mark of the game, the Flyers would make a defensive mistake in their zone. Something you can get away with against the bad teams in the NHL. But, not the Metro Division leaders.

Teuvo Teravainen would give the Hurricanes a 2-1 lead. The Flyers defense lost a streaking Teravainen, who was left wide open in-front for the goal.

In the 3rd period, the Flyers would come back not once, but twice.

Patrick Brown would tie the game at 2-2. Isaac Ratcliffe would use his size & strength to win a forechecking battle. Eventually wrapping the puck around through the crease to a wide-open Brown for the goal.

After another long shift, the Flyers would get caught in the defensive zone. Leading to a Hurricanes goal & Carolina regaining the lead just 2:04 after the Flyers tied the game.

But, with 4:53 left, the Flyers would tie the game. In the same way the Hurricanes regained the lead.

The Flyers would pin the Hurricanes in their zone for an extended shift. Resulting in a span of 78-seconds of control in the Hurricanes zone & ending with an Oskar Lindblom tying goal.

In overtime, the Flyers once again found a way to lose.

Brett Pesce would make a full 200-foot sprint into the Flyers zone. Beating a coasting Travis Konecny to the puck. Resulting in the game-winning goal with 18-seconds left in overtime.

Martin Jones stopped 27 of 31 shots he faced in the losing effort.

Carter Hart Scratched

When the Flyers left practice yesterday, Carter Hart was named the starter for today’s game vs the Hurricanes.

But, about 4-hours before game-time, Hart was scratched from the start. An eye infection would keep Hart from making the start today.

“Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Carter Hart is out with an eye infection and will not play today vs. Carolina.” – GM Chuck Fletcher

In his place, Martin Jones made the start. While rookie Kirill Ustimenko got his first NHL action as Jones’s backup this afternoon.

Rasmus Ristolainen & Patrick Brown Return

Rasmas Ristolainen, who was dealing with an upper-body injury, made his return to the lineup. Ristolainen missed 3-games while dealing with the injury.

Ristolainen, in his first game since 2/9, had an assist in 20:43 of ice-time.

Patrick Brown, who was out with a MCL sprain in his right knee, made his return to the lineup. Brown missed 14-games while dealing with the injury

Brown, in his first game since 1/8, had a goal in 14:34 of ice-time.

Result : Hurricanes 4 – Flyers 3 , OT LOSS

Record :   15 – 25 – 10

Next Game : Tuesday 2/22 vs St.Louis Blues , Philadelphia PA , 7:00pm

Photo Credit : Len Redkoles – Getty Images