Samuel Ersson and Kevin Hayes to the rescue as Flyers down Ducks
By Scott Cole
It was duck season last night at the Wells Fargo Center. One night after being crushed by the Boston Bruins, the Flyers rebounded and defeated the Anaheim Ducks by a score of 5-2.
Last week, it was Travis Konecny who scored a hat trick and powered the Flyers over the Washington Capitals. This time, it was Kevin Hayes who had a hat trick of his own. The Flyers all-star representative showcased his skills. It is his first career hat trick. This is also the second time this season he has had three points; with the other coming on January 5 against the Coyotes.
Samuel Ersson had a solid night in net for the Flyers. He faced 27 shots and only let in two: a second period goal by Adam Henrique and a power play goal in the third by Frank Vatrano. His counterpart, former Flyer goalie Anthony Stolarz, did not fair as well. He was peppered with 38 shots and let in four. The fifth goal allowed was an empty netter by Kevin Hayes after Anaheim pulled Stolarz.
The Flyers get the job done 5-2 over the Anaheim Ducks
In addition to Hayes’s big night, other Flyers had strong outings as well. Konecny, Scott Laughton, and Wade Allison all posted two assists. Morgan Frost scored his ninth goal of the season as well.
When Konecny had his hat trick, he scored an even-strength goal, a power play goal, and a shorthanded goal. Hayes had a power play and an even-strength goal to go with his empty netter. However, the Flyers did score a shorthanded goal. Rasmus Ristolainen scored his first goal of the season on the penalty kill. The Flyers have scored nine shorthanded goals this season and are leading the NHL in this category; many of these have been coming in the last few weeks.
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When the Flyers dropped an egg against Toronto, the team responded by winning three straight. After getting whooped by the Bruins, the Flyers responded with a strong victory against the Ducks. As this week continues, Philly can keep this momentum going against the Chicago Blackhawks and the Detroit Red Wings. They are back to a .500 record at 19-19. Their season is still salvageable.