Philadelphia Flyers At New Jersey Devils Recap And Takeaways
Jan 7, 2014; Newark, NJ, USA; Philadelphia Flyers center Brayden Schenn (10) scores the game winning goal on New Jersey Devils goalie Martin Brodeur (30) in overtime at the Prudential Center. The Flyers defeated the Devils 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
The Philadelphia Flyers finished off their road trip in style, beating the division rival New Jersey Devils 3-2 in overtime. The Flyers went 5-1-0 on their six game trip and now sit in sole possession of second place in the division.
The first period was rough for Philadelphia. Claude Giroux looked angry on his first shift, and his line created pressure. However, from that point on, the Devils controlled play. Less than one minute into the period, the Devils were on the board. Jaromir Jagr made a nifty move to set up an Adam Henrique goal. The Devils outshot the Flyers 14-6 in the first. Two things stuck out in the first period. Berube constantly juggled the lines. It was difficult to tell who was playing on each line. Although some changes can be attributed to penalty killing, there were many even strength shifts (long after penalties) in which the lines were rotated. Secondly, the Flyers penalty kill was very aggressive. Their best chances of the period came on the penalty kill.
The second period was much better than the first, but the Flyers were unable to convert. The Flyers outshot the Devils in the second period, 10-8. However, both goalies settled in to play a strong period and deny both teams of a goal. The period ended with the score still 1-0.
The Flyers, like they have started to do a lot lately, took control of the game in the third period. On an early power play, Claude Giroux ripped a shot past Brodeur from his usual position to tie up the game. Only a few minutes later, Brayden Schenn sent a beautiful cross-ice pass to Scott Hartnell on a line rush. Hartnell put the puck behind Brodeur to take the lead. Play went back and forth after the second Flyers goal. However, in the final minute, with their goalie pulled (the Devils were shorthanded, so pulling the goalie made it 5on5) the Devils were able to tie the game. The play was set up by Marek Zidlicky who sent Michael Ryder a beautiful pass in front of Emery. In the overtime period, the Devils had a few early chances. However, with just over three minutes remaining, Nicklas Grossmann faked a shot and passed the puck to Brayden Schenn who won the game for the Flyers.
Takeaways:
-Scott Hartnell now has a career high eight game point streak. In that span he has 4 goals and 5 assists.
-The Hartnell-Schenn-Simmonds line is coming together nicely. It seems as though the combinations of Raffl-Giroux-Voracek, Hartnell-Schenn-Simmonds, and Read-Couturier-Downie work together well. Where that leaves Lecavalier is uncertain. He does not seem to have chemistry with Couturier and does not look comfortable on the wing.
-Nicklas Grossmann’s fake shot/pass was one of the most puck savvy plays that I have ever seen from him. You will want to see this. The cut that Brayden Schenn took to the stomach is also featured in that link.
-Ray Emery turned in a solid effort tonight. Both of the goals against him were nearly impossible to stop and he made many crucial saves down the stretch.
-The Flyers have once again become the comeback kids. They have shown incredible resiliency and are now in second place in the division and tied for fifth in the Eastern Conference.