Shayne Gostisbehere helps lead Philadelphia Flyers to win over Detroit
The Philadelphia Flyers came into this game hoping to snap a four game losing streak against the Detroit Red Wings.
With a new coach in tow, the Philadelphia Flyers were looking to give interim Head Coach Scott Gordon his first victory behind the bench for the Orange and Black.
Top goaltending prospect Carter Hart made his NHL debut starting in this game. He opposed Jonathan Bernier for the Detroit Red Wings. Bernier had a 3.59 Goals-Against Average with a .890 save percentage coming in. The Flyers had to make sure to handle the speed of this Detroit team defensively and not leave Hart on an island.
Philadelphia couldn’t convert on two power-play opportunities to begin the game, with one of them being nullified halfway through thanks to a James van Riemsdyk interference penalty. They did look more dangerous with the extra man in terms of chances created, but couldn’t beat Bernier. Though they took two penalties, the Flyers controlled play through the first eventually took a 1-0 lead over Detroit on a goal from van Riemsdyk. JvR deflected a Claude Giroux shot to give Philadelphia a one goal advantage after 20 minutes of play.
The Red Wings tied it up early on in the second period, but Radko Gudas regained the Flyers lead after blasting a puck passed Bernier. Shayne Gostisbehere netted his first goal in 16 games and second point of the night to give the team a 3-1 lead entering the third period.
Martin Frk cut the Flyers lead in half to start the final stanza. The defense let him get in front of the net and the put the puck right by Hart. The Flyers still looked good as a team overall and couldn’t let themselves blown yet another third period lead.
Detroit created some pressure late in the period and pulled Bernier to try and get the equalizer, but ultimately fell to the Flyers 3-2. Philadelphia finally broke a four game losing skid in he pos Dave Hakstol era.
Hart was very solid in his NHL debut, saving 20 of the 22 shots he faced. He looked very confident given his youth and didn’t seem to let either goal phase him. Gostisbehere had a good performance, as well, leading the team with two points in the game. He has been in a major slump as of late and hopefully this good play can help spark his production.
Next. Gritty body checks Santas during Flyers/Red Wings intermission. dark
The Flyers are now 13-15-4 on the season. Next game is Thursday against the Nashville Predators.