PHILADELPHIA – If the Flyers needed anything else to think about over their 19 day break, tonight’s effort should be at the top of the list.
For what has become an usual habit of theirs of late, the Flyers once again were not ready for puck drop. Well, not ready for the first 40 minutes actually.
After firing just two shots on net in the first period, the Flyers followed it up with just six shots in the second period. Ottawa had eight shots in the first 15 minutes of the game for comparsion.
The main reason the game was still in reach in the third period was because of Dan Vladar. Once again proving why he has become the number one choice in Philadelphia.
Vladar made 20 saves in the first two periods, keeping the score 1-0 heading into the third period.
The hero from Tuesday’s win, Jamie Drysdale, would come through again tonight. Tying the game with 1:14 left in the third period.
His fifth of the season finished off a minute of heavy pressure by the Flyers with the goalie pulled.
In overtime, however, a missed chance would plague the Flyers once again.
Travis Konecny skated in on a 2v1 with the Senators trying to get back. His shot would miss the net and spring the Senators on their on 2v1 where Tim Stutzle would score the game winner on mini break-away.
It was the seventh straight loss in overtime or a shootout for the Flyers.
The Flyers are now off for 19 days as the NHL season stops for the Olympics. Three Flyers and head coach Rick Tocchet will represent the team in Milan.
Tocchet and Travis Sanheim for Team Canada, Rasmus Ristolainen for Team Finland, and Dan Vladar for Team Czechia.
The Flyers return to action on February 25th when they travel to Washington to play the Capitals at 7:00 pm.
