Flyers Run Over by Bruins, Unable to Snap Losing Skid

The All-Star break couldn't have come at a better time.

The Flyers have dropped five straight after a 6-2 loss to the Bruins, and they haven't looked particularly strong in the process. They've allowed five or more goals in four of their losses and were shutout in the other. It's far from ideal heading into a long break this way, but hopefully, the respite offers a chance to reset.

Abysmal First Period

Before the puck drop, the team honored Mark Recchi by inducting the seven-time All-Star into their Hall of Fame. The Flyers seemed to feed off the energy of those pre-game festivities as they controlled the pace of play for much of the first frame. Joel Farabee even unsuccessfully attempted a Michigan goal, likely much to the chagrin of coach John Tortorella, who once infamously stated that plays of that ilk were "too showman."

Not capturing the first tally proved to be detrimental. They haven't been able to do in all but one game (1/21 vs. Ottawa) during their losing streak. With 05:51 remaining in the first period, David Pastrnak (33) expertly used Travis Sanheim as a screen, ripping one through the defender's legs and past goalie Sam Ersson.

The floodgates opened from there. Boston would add two more goals just a minute apart. The first was on a lapse in coverage by Sanheim, allowing Charlie McAvoy (7) to get lost behind him and was backdoor for an easy tap-in. The second, scored by Danton Heinen (9), came on a deflected point shot from Brandon Carlo.

Pastrnak (34) would strike once more to put the game firmly out of reach. It was difficult to fault Ersson for the first three goals allowed, but not this one. He badly misplayed a centering pass from James van Riemsdyk, poking the puck directly to Pastrnak, who made him pay.

Pastrnak continues to be a thorn in the team's side, who has 24 goals in just 29 games against the orange and black. The Flyers remain unable to stifle the elite of the NHL.

Tyson Foerster Shows Some Life

One of the lone bright spots in the blowout loss was rookie forward Tyson Foerster.

On an impressive individual play late in the second period, Foerster (8) escaped a check along the wall, danced into the slot, and snuck one five-hole past goalie Linus Ullmark. He would add another (9) in the third to make the score 5-2.

It's an encouraging sign to see Foerster get his offense going; he has three goals in his last five games. John Tortorella has been glowing all season about the youngster's play away from the puck, but I think we all anticipated better numbers after an impressive showing late last season. We have seen intermittent flashes of high skill and a lethal shot from Tyson. Hopefully more consistent results are on the horizon.

Moneypuck currently gives the Flyers a 68.2% chance at the playoffs, which honestly seems high. If they want to keep this pace, they need to start generating high-quality scoring chances and limiting their opponents. They've continued to mostly outshoot the competition, but there's a quantity vs. quality issue at play. Not to state the obvious further, but limiting time in the box and sluggish starts will be key should a turnaround occur after the break.

Organizationally, the Flyers have suffered significant adversity in January alone. The bye week should provide a chance to reset and put this chaotic time in the past. Travis Konecny echoed that sentiment in his post-game interview.

"Maybe it's a good time for a break. You know, regroup, get some energy, enjoy some time with your family and friends and get back here."

Notes

• Sam Ersson was pulled at the start of the second period after allowing four goals on 14 shots. Backup Cal Petersen saved 12 of 14 shots in relief.

• Scott Laughton took two more minor penalties, giving him five in the last two games.

• Former Flyer James van Riemsdyk scored the Bruins' fifth goal, giving him eight on the year. Pastrnak assisted on the play, his third point of the afternoon.

• The Flyers killed all three Boston power-plays.

• The team will not take the ice again until Tuesday, February 6th, when they travel to Florida to face the Panthers.