The Philadelphia Flyers couldn’t handle the fire power of the Edmonton Oilers Tuesday night at the Wells Fargo Center. Losing 3-0.
After playing their best 60-minutes in weeks, the Flyers looked to continue that momentum. But, that just wasn’t the case against the Edmonton Oilers tonight.
The Oilers, who had lost 3-straight to the Flyers in Philadelphia, took advantage of some costly mistakes by the Flyers. Capitalizing on a Flyers mistake late in the 1st period to take a 1-0 lead.
Oskar Lindblom would be called for a tripping penalty with 2:39 left in the 1st period. Just 20-seconds later, Leon Draisaitl would score his 16th power-play goal of the season.
In the 2nd period, the Flyers would make a great push. Fending off three Oilers power-plays. But, a defensive breakdown around Carter Hart with 4:50 left in the 2nd period would lead to a 2-0 Oilers lead.
A sprawling Hart would get his glove on a Leon Draisaitl shot from in tight. But, the puck would deflect down off of Evander Kane & lay in the crease. Before Kailer Yamamoto beat Travis Sanheim to the puck and the goal.
In the 3rd period, it would be much of the same. The Flyers showed they were the better team in the stat column. Firing 14-shots on net.
However, just like the 1st period (13-shots) & 2nd period (12-shots) none would make it by Mikko Koskinen.
Connor McDavid would get the empty net goal. Assisted by his partner in crime, Leon Draisaitl (his 3rd point of night), to make final score 3-0.
Carter Hart stopped 29 of the 31 shots he faced in the losing effort.
Lazy Sticks
The Flyers were whistled for 5-penalties tonight against the Oilers. All five of which, coming from pure laziness.
On the 5-penalties, the Flyers players stick was involved. Whether it be in a bad spot or just in the wrong spot, all 5-penalties were unnecessary.
During those 5-penalty kills, the Flyers did a tremendous job killing off 4 out of the 5 opportunities. But, when you play the Edmonton Oilers, it’s hard to mount momentum when you give their fire power that many opportunities.
Whenever it felt like the Flyers were gaining momentum, another sloppy penalty resulted in more power-play time for the Oilers.
Claude Giroux Willing To Waive NMC?
With now just 20-days until the deadline, Claude Giroux’s time in Philadelphia is quickly coming to an end. An end that will more than likely result in a trade to a contender.
As the Flyers battled the Oilers, rumors started to swirl about Giroux & GM Chuck Fletcher having a meeting. A meeting discussing Giroux’s future plans with the team.
The news didn’t come soon enough as the press box tonight was filled. With 14-teams represented. Including multiple scouts from Tampa Bay Lightning, Colorado Avalanche, & New York Rangers. All of which are teams where Giroux could end up.
While Giroux will most likely be traded, it is also most likely not his final time in Philadelphia. Giroux could return in the offseason & is leaning towards that as the deadline nears.
Result : Oilers 3 – Flyers 0 , LOSS
Record : 16 – 27 – 10
Next Game : Thursday 3/3 vs Minnesota Wild , Philadelphia PA , 7:00pm
PHOTO CREDIT: Len Redkoles – Getty Images
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