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Philadelphia Flyers Daily: Flyers Beat Avs 4-0

By Danny Povlich

Feb 28, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers goalie Steve Mason (35) makes a save as Colorado Avalanche center Matt Duchene (9) looks for a rebound during the third period at Wells Fargo Center. The Flyers defeated the Avalanche 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers goalie Steve Mason (35) makes a save as Colorado Avalanche center Matt Duchene (9) looks for a rebound during the third period at Wells Fargo Center. The Flyers defeated the Avalanche 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /
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Flyers Get Favorable Matchup After Tough Loss

After the emotional letdown of losing to Pittsburgh in the Stadium Series, the Philadelphia Flyers needed to respond appropriately against the NHL-worst Colorado Avalanche. For the first 20 minutes, they did just that.

The remaining 40 were less impressive. Steve Mason played a strong game, though, and Colorado is the worst team in the league.

Strong Start

During the first, the Flyers looked like the team that won 10 in a row. Halfway through the first, Jakub Voracek put them up 3-0 with a powerplay goal. This after Wayne Simmonds had already scored two special teams goals: one on the powerplay and one shorthanded.

In fact, many fans tossed their hats onto the ice after Voracek’s goal because it looked like Simmonds tipped the puck in, but Jake was the last Flyer to touch it.

Shayne Gostisbehere looked good too. He skated well and moved the puck effectively. He finished with an assist and generated a couple nice chances.

Flyers Lose Momentum

Then Sean Couturier dropped the gloves with Gabriel Landeskog with 7:10 left in the first. Given the Flyers’ current position in the standings, it might not have been the best time to risk an early three-goal lead by fighting.

But it was fun to see Simmonds do his best Mickey impression:

After the fight, the Avs registered six of the period’s last seven shots on goal and five of its last six hits. And from the start of the second period, the Flyers looked mediocre. No doubt they intended to play a bit safer and protect the lead, but they were outshot 22-12 in the second and third periods combined. That’s not how you protect a lead.

Jordan Weal scored his first career goal goal with 12:44 remaining in the second. The Flyers were fortunate that the score didn’t change after that.

Mason Gets Shutout in Last Game Before Deadline

Luckily for the Flyers, Mason played well throughout. His biggest moment came against Mikko Rantanen on a penalty shot early in the second, but he was also solid at even strength and on the penalty kill. Mason put on a strong showing in what could be his last game as a Flyer. But last or not, the game was Mason’s 216th in the orange and black. He passes Doug Favell for third all-time in games played by a Flyers goalie, behind Bernie Parent (486) and Ron Hextall (489).

Flyers Know They Need to Be Better

Tonight was fun. But the Avs are (way) down at the bottom of the standings for a reason. The Flyers will need to play much better than they did tonight—and against much better teams—if they hope to make the playoffs.

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