Instant reactions: Garnet Hathaway can’t score on open net, Flyers lose in OT

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What a disaster.

The Philadelphia Flyers led 3-0 less than a minute into the second period, but somehow found a way to let the Utah Mammoth overcome a two-goal deficit in the third period, and win in overtime.

Christian Dvorak picked up three points (2G, 1A) and the Flyers much-maligned power play scored twice in the second period, one from Dvorak, another by Bobby Brink, but it just wasn’t enough. WTF did I just watch?

First period

Highlight: Looking to show the win against the Vegas Golden Knights was the team getting back on track and not one lucky win amidst a full team backslide, a fast start was imperative. Well, Cam York and Philadelphia’s top guys made sure to start strong against the Mammoth. York banged a rebound home just 30 seconds into the game, following some good puck movement by Trevor Zegras and Travis Konecny, with TK eventually finding Travis Sanheim for a slot chance, and York crashing down to clean up the trash. And, as to avoid past mistakes, Christian Dvorak made it 2-0 on a mini-breakaway set up by TK just four minutes later. Earlier this season, Tyson Foerster scored 29 seconds in against Ottawa, and then Linus Ullmark shut the Flyers out for the next 59:31. Dvorak’s goal gave Philly a little early insurance, as we have seen this team, on the rare occasion they score first, surrender that lead fairly quickly. Overall a very strong period for the Orange & Black.

What I want to see next period: Let’s get the power play going. The Flyers officially went 0-for-2 in the first, but one power play was abbreviated, as Utah negated their own power play after 40 seconds. Philly’s second opportunity yielded some good possession and a couple chances, which on the curve we grade the Flyers on is decent. But with a power play to start the second and the opportunity to take a 3-0 lead following Nick Schmaltz’s high-sticking penalty as the clock hit zeroes in the opening frame, it would be great to see the Flyers (maybe Matvei Michkov who looks great tonight, and already has 4 SOG) take full control of this game early.

Second period

Highlight: THEY DID IT! And not only did the power play cash-in on their early period power play, courtesy of Bobby Brink knocking in a rebound, but Christian Dvorak added a second PPG after the Mammoth took control of the game, making it 3-2 with a pair of goals in quick succession and absolutely owning the puck shortly after Philly went up 3-0. Dvorak’s second goal of the game came in a huge spot, as Utah had all the momentum, but took a bad too many men penalty, and Dvorak stopped the bleeding, capitalizing on his own rebound to restore the two-goal lead. This is the fifth time this season the Flyers have managed to score two power play goals in a game. They have not netted three PPGs in a single game since March 1, 2020.

What I want to see next period: I don’t want to see the Flyers go into a shell, but it would be great if Utah finishes this game with two goals on the board. Protect Sam Ersson (and his confidence), after 40 good minutes of hockey and has stopped 15 of 17 so far. AND LOOK! A chance to regain a three-goal lead, and get that elusive third power play goal, as Ian Cole gets called for a hard high-stick to Sean Couturier’s face with 7.4 seconds left in the second period. They’ll have 1:53 of man advantage time to start the third. Let’s make it 5-2 and then clog the neutral zone like it’s 1996.

Third period

Highlight: Well, they didn’t score on the early power play, and a Noah Juulsen roughing tacked on to a fight while sticking up for a teammate allowed Utah to make it a 4-3 game midway through the third. But the highlight was Garnet Hathaway getting his pocket-picked in the RW circle as he had to just shoot the puck into the empty net to seal the win. Unfortunately, it was not to be, and a little while late Utah tied the game with a Clayton Keller highlight goal of his own after Sanheim misplayed a bouncing puck deep in the d-zone. This is so maddening.

Final note: They have to make it harder for teams to get through the neutral zone, especially while protecting a lead. It was way too easy for Utah to set up with possession in the third, which put a lot of undue stress on the defense, Ersson, and me (most importantly).

Overtime

The Flyers gave it up and lost in OT. I’m so f’n mad. I don’t even know. Bunch of bums.

Watch PHLY Flyers Postgame