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Philadelphia Flyers Top Kings with Big Second Period

By Marc Naples |
Oct 14, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty (8) collides with Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere (53) in the third period during a NHL game at Staples Center. The Flyers defeated the Kings 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 14, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty (8) collides with Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere (53) in the third period during a NHL game at Staples Center. The Flyers defeated the Kings 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

It took the Philadelphia Flyers a period to get up to regular season speed against the Kings, but a rush of 2nd period goals led the way to win number 1

It has been a talking point that the Philadelphia Flyers want to have a better start this season than previous years. That became a bit more difficult due to the suspensions of Brayden Schenn and Radko Gudas, and the injury to Michael Del Zotto. With this in mind, the first period last night against the LA Kings probably was not what they had in mind.

The Flyers could barely scrape together any shots on goal in the first period, although the defense and goalie Michal Neuvirth held the line. Fortunes changed dramatically, however, when new signing Boyd Gordon picked the top corner on a nice feed from Nick Cousins. This was rapidly proceeded by another goal by Sean Couturier 48 seconds later.

The Flyers wouldn’t look back, holding on to a 4-2 victory. Allowing for the slow start because the Kings were already up to speed playing their second game, this is a great way for the Flyers to open the season.

Forwards

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  • The Flyers lines were pretty even in terms of shot measures. Perhaps the biggest difference came in the finishing from the Couturier line.

More from Broad Street Buzz

  • There was reason to expect great things from the Flyers new 2nd line featuring Travis Konecny, Jakub Voracek, and Sean Couturier, and they delivered last night. Konecny collected two primary assists (the second one particularly pretty), while Couturier made two graceful finishes.
  • The Flyers must also be very pleased with the new 3rd line. Weise and Cousins each finished +2 on the night.
  • The Giroux line led the way in ice time and was okay in shot difference, but didn’t create too many clear chances. Giroux and Raffl each finished -1.
  • Matt Read had a few good scoring chances, piling up 4 shots on goal. I’m not sure how many chances he’ll get down on the 4th line, so it’s too bad he didn’t finish any of them.
  • Chris VandeVelde lagged in ice time, and didn’t look great (not exactly new themes). Perhaps the door will be open to Roman Lyubimov appearing tonight against the Coyotes.

Defense

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  • Ivan Provorov picked up right where he left off the from preseason, looking confident and decisive while picking up an assist on the Streit goal. He didn’t have big 5v5 ice time, but he did play in all situations for 20+ total minutes.
  • Mark Streit look rejuvenated, scoring a goal from down by the goal line, while also leading the team in ice time at 22:04. He tied Matt Read for the team lead with 4 shots on goal as well.
  • Ghost also carried over his form the World Cup, aggressively joining the offense. It also looks as if he will be getting tough matchups at least until Del Zotto and Gudas returns, based on last night. This would be a change from last year.
  • Brandon Manning was very noticeable last night. He led the defense in hits, and appeared to be one of the few Flyers who hit the ground running in the 1st period.

Next: Staff Season Predictions

Up Next

The Philadelphia Flyers follow up their season opener with another game tonight in Phoenix against the Coyotes. Steve Mason is expected to make the start in net. This will be the Coyotes first game of the season.

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