Flyers-Coyotes recap: Points for effort?

The Philadelphia Flyers didn’t really show up until late against the Arizona Coyotes, and despite a commendable comeback, fell in overtime 4-3.

Let’s be clear- the Philadelphia Flyers should’ve played much better than they did against the previously winless Arizona Coyotes. The first two periods were light-your-hair-on-fire bad; the Flyers were lucky to be only down 2-0 afterwards.

But as it turned out, the Flyers were just saving their offense for when it really mattered, scoring two goals in the final minute of regulation to send the game into overtime. While they would eventually lose 4-3, the Flyers have to be reasonably pleased about coming away from this game with a point, considering how it started out.

Sean Couturier was the star of the show once more, continuing to show his doubters from years past how very, very wrong they were. Playing alongside playmakers as talented as Claude Giroux and Jakub Voracek has truly unleashed Cooter’s scoring potential. His first goal came on a one-timer from the slot during a powerplay, and his second, which tied the game with 15 seconds remaining, was the result of a smart, hard drive to the net. Who provided the primary assist on both? Giroux, of course.

With the overtime loss, the Flyers move to 6-5-1 on the season. They’ll need to be sharper in their next outing- the Chicago Blackhawks will be less likely to throw away a late lead.

Philadelphia Flyers

Game observations

• Samuel Morin was expected to make his season debut after being recalled from Lehigh Valley a couple days ago. However, it seems Morin was injured already, and thus was unable to play against the Coyotes.
• His replacement was another call-up, the 26-year-old Mark Alt. Alt has enjoyed a lengthy career within the Flyers organization, but this was only Alt’s second career NHL appearance (his first came back in 2015). How’d he look? To be honest, he didn’t really stand out one way or another. His 5v5 Corsi For% was solid (54.55%), and the scoring chance battle was fairly even while he was on the ice. For one night, Alt did his job.
• Brian Elliott wasn’t quite as good as he was against Toronto, but surrendering three regulation goals with the skaters in front of him playing so poorly feels like an accomplishment. The goalie shuffle continues.

Most Fly

Besides the obvious choice of Sean Couturier, how about Jordan Weal putting back a rebound and bringing the Flyers within one late? It may have just been a goal of the right place, right time variety, but it’s good to see a player who grinds as hard as he does get rewarded.

Least Fly

The whole team through two periods. The Flyers looked largely ineffectual offensively for much of the game, against probably the worst team in the league. Gotta shape up, boys.

One-Sentence Takeaway

Note to Flyers: the first two periods matter just as much as the last one.

Next: Flyers-Maple Leafs recap: Rebounding in a big way

(Stats via Natural Stat Trick)