Flyers Blow 4-Leads In 5-4 Loss To Wild

The Philadelphia Flyers would blow four leads against the Minnesota Wild. Leading to a 5-4 loss Thursday night at the Wells Fargo Center.

The Flyers were in need of a good start. One that did not come on Tuesday after their best 60-minute effort in weeks on Saturday.

Tonight, the Flyers got just that. Scoring first just 3:49 into the game.

Scott Laughton intercept a Marcus Foligno drop pass at the point & head up ice on a 2v1. Laughton would go fore-hand back-hand & beat Cam Talbot for his 11th goal of the season.

Just over the halfway point of the 1st period, Minnesota would tie the game. The Wild’s 1st goal of the night set up beautifully by a cross-ice pass in the Flyers zone by Kirill Kaprizov.

However, just 1:26 later, the Flyers would retake the lead.

Patrick Brown would slap home a pass from behind the net from Zack MacEwen. The play was set up by a tremendous forecheck by Brown, who was rewarded with the goal. His 2nd in last 5-games since returning from injury.

As many thought the period was over, Derick Brassard would gift the Wild a goal. Fluttering his clearing attempt. Leading to an easy knockdown by Frederick Gaudreau & a goal with 2.7 left in the period.

In the 2nd period, after the Flyers withstood the early onslaught by the Wild, Travis Konecny would give the Flyers the lead once again. Coming on their 1st shot of the period with 14:53 left in the period.

However, for the third time of the night, the Wild would tie the game once again.

Just before the halfway point of the game, Kevin Fiala’s shot would be blocked by Ivan Provorov. The puck would trickle off Provorov & lay in the crease. Ryan Hartman would slam it home for his 2nd of the night.

With less than a minute left in the 2nd period, the Flyers would re-take the lead for the 4th time. James van Riemsdyk would deflect home a Claude Giroux shot on the power-play.

In the 3rd period, it would all unravel in a span of 25-seconds for the Flyers.

Minnesota would tie the game with 7:44 left in the game & take the lead just 25-seconds later. Leading to yet another 3rd period collapse and eventually the loss.

Carter Hart stopped 33 of the 38 shots he faced in the losing effort.

Justin Braun Leaves Game Early

One Flyers player who has been consistent and a bright spot this season is Justin Braun. Even at age 34, Braun is proving his worth as a top-4 NHL defenseman.

Braun’s success this season will more than likely lead to a trade at the deadline. Which Braun has earned & deserved.

However, mid-way through the 2nd period, Braun would get a scare. Leaving the game with 7:00-minutes left in the period & not returning.

Later in the game, the Flyers announced Braun would not return due to the flu.

Four Blown Leads

One lead blown happens all the time. Two can even be added to that as well. When you get to three, it’s always a talking point after the game.

However, tonight, the Flyers did not just do the normal, they went above and beyond.

Tonight, against the Wild, the Flyers blew 4-leads. As well as, giving up the game-winning goal just 25-seconds after blowing their 4th lead on the night.

The Flyers had plenty of opportunities with the lead to extend them. But, like much of this season, mistakes & errors resulted immediately in opposing goals. Ending any chance of momentum with any of their 4-leads.

Result : Wild 5 – Flyers 4 , LOSS

Record :   16 – 28 – 10

Next Game : Saturday 3/5 vs Chicago Blackhawks , Philadelphia PA , 3:00pm

PHOTO CREDIT: Mitchell Leff – Getty Images