Captain Claude: Flyers – Oilers Post Game
Philadelphia Flyers center Claude Giroux (28) and Edmonton Oilers center Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (93) face off during the second period at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
The Philadelphia Flyers took down the Edmonton Oilers this afternoon by a score of 4-2. The game was riddled with penalties and some sloppy play on both sides. Although the Flyers looked like a much better team overall.
The first period was a good one for the Flyers. The first few minutes were a bit rough, but as the period went on, the Flyers took control. With about eight minutes left in the period, Mark Streit made a beautiful pass from the point to Jay Rosehill. Rosehill put it in the back of the net for his first of the year. The assists went to Streit and Nicklas Grossmann. To his credit, Rosehill made the play possible by his strong forchecking earlier in that shift. Only seconds after the goal, Brayden Schenn had a great chance from Vincent Lecavalier, but was unable to convert. With just under three minutes to go in the period, Mark Streit made another beautiful pass to a Scott Hartnell who was wide open in the slot. Hartnell put it past Dubnyk. The Flyers outshot the Oilers 13-10 in the period and were leading 2-0.
The second period was not as smooth for the Flyers. They took a total of five penalties, one of which was a Jay Rosehill fight against Luke Gazdic. On the final Edmonton power play, David Perron was able to put a goal by Mason. The Flyers ended the period with 22 total shots to Edmonton’s 18. In the middle of the period, Giroux had two of his best scoring chances of the season. On his second shot, it appeared that the net was open for Giroux, but and Edmonton defenseman blocked the shot. Leading 2-1, the Flyers once again entered the third period either tied, up a goal, or down a goal.
The third period was strong for the Flyers. They came out and took control of the game. There was a questionable call on Edmonton defenseman Anton Belov that gave the Flyers a five minute power play. About half way through the extended man advantage, Wayne Simmonds was sent to the box on what looked to be an obvious make-up call. During the ensuing 4v4, Flyers fans got what they’ve been waiting for all year, a goal by Claude Giroux. The captain made a nice play after entering the zone and beat Dubnyk to the near side to give the Flyers a 3-1 lead. With 6:35 left in the game, EDM winger Taylor Hall made it a one goal game. However, with three and half minutes left, Vincent Lecavalier scored a beautiful goal on a goal line angle, top-shelf shot. The Flyers held off the Oilers in the final few minutes to gain two valuable points.
Game notes:
-Giroux scored. The goal breaks a 21 game goal-less streak for the Flyers’ captain. He had numerous chances during the game, so it was not a surprise that he finally got one. Hopefully, this will lift the burden from Giroux’s back and he will begin performing at the level that we have seen from him in the past.
-Steve Mason turned in another strong performance. He stopped 24-26 shots to earn his fourth win of the season. Mason has been the Flyers best player so far this year. His play is to the point where solid games like this have now become the norm. Reliable goaltending is something the Flyers have lacked for years.
-Though he did not get on the score sheet, Sean Couturier stood out during the game. He was strong on the puck and made some very good plays on the penalty kill. He had a beautiful pass to Matt Read in the slot that should have ended in a goal. The way he has been playing, don’t be surprised if he gets his first goal sooner rather than later.
-Others who played well were Braydon Coburn, Vincent Lecavalier, Mark Streit, and Michael Raffl.
-The Flyers now go on a three game road trip. They will return to the WFC on Tuesday November 19th.