The Toronto Maple Leafs took care of business against the Philadelphia Flyers last week. It opened up a gauntlet of a schedule for Philly as they try to hang onto a playoff spot.
Now, they had to play them again on Tuesday night in hopes that they could get this thing figured out. It was, up to date, the most important game of the year.
The Flyers got out to a miraculous start in this one as Owen Tippett, Travis Sanheim, and Morgan Frost all scored to make it 3-0. Entering the third period up by three goals had them feeling very good about it.
1:11 into the third, however, William Nylander scored a power-play goal to put the Flyers on their heels. Later on, Tyler Bertuzzi scored to make it 3-2. Now, it felt like the Flyers were in danger of blowing this thing to a high-powered Maple Leafs team.
The Philadelphia Flyers did what they needed to do to get the win
Scott Laughton came to the rescue a few minutes later and made it 4-2 in favor of the Flyers. Good thing because the Leafs did find that third goal when John Tavares scored at 17:50 of the third period.
The Leafs were unable to get that tying goal and the Flyers won the game 4-3. Points 76 and 77 got the Flyers back to a three-point cushion on a playoff spot.
The big story coming into this game was the fact that John Tortorella made captain Sean Couturier a healthy scratch. This came 34 days after he was named to be the captain.
After the game, Tortorella was naturally asked about the decision but he had no interest in answering those types of questions. He said that this was a move to put the 20 best players on the ice for this particular game and that the decision was between him and Sean.
Hear from Head Coach John Tortorella following 4-3 win over the Maple Leafs.#TORvsPHI | #LetsGoFlyers pic.twitter.com/7pyfhRPper
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) March 20, 2024
The team did what they needed to be done without Couturier so it is hard to argue with the decision. The slump has been ended.
Sam Errson deserves credit for the way that he played in this one. He gave up three goals but he made the 27 saves needed against one of the most dangerous teams in the league. For the situation he found himself in this year, he has been solid.
Now, the Flyers have to move on from this win quickly. They have another insanely hard test looming with the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday. It is paramount that the Flyers travel down south and beat them in their building. A win like this one vs Toronto could give them the momentum that they need.