The Flyers snapped their four game losing streak as they routed the Detroit Red Wings 7-2. Dominating from the start, the Flyers scored two goals in the first period and out-shot Detroit 15-4. The seven goals tied a season-high for the Flyers.
Although the Red Wings have the advantage in the standings, the Flyers have had great success against Detroit at home as today’s win marks their 10th straight home regular season win dating back to January 25th, 1997.
Over the last couple of days, both Flyers GM Ron Hextall and starting goalie Steve Mason have been outspoken about the lack of offensive contributions as well as overall determination to finish out and win close games. Today, at least, the team put those criticisms to rest.
Scoring two of the team’s seven goals was Brayden Schenn. Schenn was also originally credited with the team’s first goal of the game, which would have given him a hat trick. With just 11 seconds into the 3rd period, as Schenn scored what looked like his third goal of the game, fans showered the ice with hats just as a PA announcement was made that the first goal of the game would be credited to Wayne Simmonds. No word yet on whether those fans will be getting those hats back.
Goals were so aplenty that even Zac Rinaldo scored his first goal of the season. Nicklas Grossman scored on a breakaway in the first period. Pierre-Edouard Bellemare shrugged his shoulders like Michael Jordan as he scored the Flyers’ 5th goal of the game. Matt Read scored a beautiful touch goal off the Andrew MacDonald assist in the third period.
Just as the offense came alive today, the goaltending remained consistent once again. Steve Mason, starting his 9th straight game since coming back from injury, was sensational once again. Mason stopped 31 of 33 shots on goal. He is having a career year, now tied for 3rd in the league with a save percentage of .925 and is just outside the top 10 in goals against average with 2.26.
After the last four disappointing games, Mason was asked how it felt to watch such an explosive offensive performance out of his teammates.
“You see the excitement on their faces,” Mason said. “Scoring goals is fun, and they did it in bunches tonight. Guys can build off that. It was a really good offensive output against a pretty good team.”
Today’s top offensive performer, Brayden Schenn, spoke after the game about his teammates and his own performance:
“Obviously it feels good but at the same time to come with a winning effort everyone’s contributing,” Schenn said. “Guys like Rinaldo scoring goals and it’s nice to help Mason out for once. He’s been playing so well for us and we haven’t been giving him the goal support that we need. Tonight, the breakout as a team is obviously nice.”
It was a great team victory for the Flyers as they begin a four game road trip beginning tomorrow night in Ottawa.
With only twelve games left in the regular season, the Flyers still trail the Boston Bruins by 10 points in the Wild Card standings. It will be an uphill battle the rest of the way to say the least. Many people have already counted the team out for this season. This upcoming four game road trip will determine if the Flyers have any shot of making the playoffs.
The Flyers look to start a new winning streak as they are currently on their way to Ottawa to face the Senators tomorrow night at 7 p.m.
