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Flyers Anniversary Special: “Dumpster Fire, No Show” in Game 7

By Colin Newby |
TORONTO, ONTARIO - SEPTEMBER 05: Brock Nelson #29 of the New York Islanders and Claude Giroux #28 of the Philadelphia Flyers shake hands following the Islanders 4-0 victory in Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Second Round during the 2020 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on September 05, 2020 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ONTARIO - SEPTEMBER 05: Brock Nelson #29 of the New York Islanders and Claude Giroux #28 of the Philadelphia Flyers shake hands following the Islanders 4-0 victory in Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Second Round during the 2020 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on September 05, 2020 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

It’s hard to believe it’s only been one year since the Flyers lost Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals to the New York Islanders. A wacky, pandemic-induced schedule can do that to fans.

On Labor Day weekend of 2020, captain Claude Giroux and the Flyers fell flat on their faces in a 4-0 loss to their division rival in their final game in the Toronto playoff bubble.

Flyers Struggle to Regain Form in Toronto Bubble

The Flyers didn’t play their best hockey once play resumed in Toronto. They slipped past the Montreal Canadiens in the first round, but Alain Vignealt’s club never recaptured the momentum of their nine-game winning streak spanning from February through early March prior to the pause.

The Islanders had their way for most of the second round series. Forwards Brock Nelson and Anders Lee played strong, physical games in the Philadelphia zone, and center Mathew Barzal displayed incredible puck control as a facilitator. They also got solid contribution from the newest Flyer, Derick Brassard.

The Flyers survived until Game 7 of the back of three overtime game winners, including a thrilling double OT snipe from Ivan Provorov in Game 6.

While the Flyers deserve some credit for hanging in and forcing Game 7, they simply weren’t going to get away with a fluky series victory. Especially considering their 7.7% success rate on the power play in the bubble.

Flyers Embarrassed in Game 7

They barely showed up in Game 7. They got behind early and mustered just 16 shots on Islanders goaltender Thomas Greiss.

Former Flyers defenseman and broadcast Chris Therien, now working with the Snow the Goalie podcast, shared a passionate level of criticism last week in recalling the disappointing effort.

“That game itself was the biggest dumpster fire no-show I’ve ever seen. The leaders of the Flyers in that game were pathetic.”

It’s hard to find fault with Bundy’s frustration, especially considering the ensuing disappointment of the 2020-21 season.

After one year and a wild pandemic-stricken season have passed, fans should still have a bad taste in their mouths because of the subpar product they’ve seen on the ice since the fateful NHL pause in March 2020.

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