Bill Meltzer: Wrap: Flyers Douse Flames in OT, 2-1

Some free tickets landed on my lap 2 hours before puck drop. Solid game to attend. We were definitely in our zone most of the 1st and unfortunately a bad bounce turned into a goal. Instead of getting frustrated with our powerplay our guys hung in the game; Carter definitely helped with that (start to finish). But i thought we took over the momentum in the 2nd and carried it solidly into the 3rd. Our defense did a solid job with keeping the chances/shots attempts outside, especially on several plays that at first looked like 2-on-1s or fastbreaks. Hart looked really settled all game despite some tough bounces and turnover chances (mainly caused by Yandle). Solid games from Risto and Mckewen, they really stood out all game to me. Really glad to see Hayes out there in the 3rd. Looked scary, especially with our injury luck this year

somehow we win

Great game. Old school hockey. Fit the occasion perfectly. Awesome Hayes got that moment.

Carter Hart looking really good!

Carter Hart looking really good!
- dubc55

It was a great win, there was no give up. Carter playing like he wants to make team Canada. RR played like a #1D, he set the tone, and was really good. Hayes rounding back into form. Hopefully this is a game they can build on.

Just need to get the scoring areas, but this was against a sutter team, and that's easier said than done.

forgot to mention Mcewen. Great game from him

Have not seen a flyer dman play w physicality and determination like that since Pronger. Just physically dominant.

Think we are starting to understand why 7 plus gms were in a bidding war for his services.

He is a beast when on his game and his parter is wired in.

Tkachuck on the other hand is a penalty a minute. The guy delivers more headshots than anyone I can think of in the league.

It was a great win, there was no give up. Carter playing like he wants to make team Canada. RR played like a #1D, he set the tone, and was really good. Hayes rounding back into form. Hopefully this is a game they can build on.

Just need to get the scoring areas, but this was against a sutter team, and that's easier said than done.
- bradster

Team Canada would be a great accomplishment for Carter. However, I would love it if he did not make it. I want him to win games for the Flyers. I could care less about team Canada.

Also, Risto has played well over the last handful of games. Hopefully he continues to be smart about being physical.

Have not seen a flyer dman play w physicality and determination like that since Pronger. Just physically dominant.

Think we are starting to understand why 7 plus gms were in a bidding war for his services.

He is a beast when on his game and his parter is wired in.

Tkachuck on the other hand is a penalty a minute. The guy delivers more headshots than anyone I can think of in the league.
- Joe Nardone

I like that Tkachuk ups the animosity factor. I think he is a bit of a clown though. He did make the game more fun last night though.

6-0-0 coming back after a loss. That bodes well moving forward. Hart was so impressive last night. Had a feeling all it would be hard for Calgary to score.

I find it almost comical about how much quieter it is on here after a win versus a loss! Philly sports fans....you can't beat em! Anyway, my 3 stars last night were Hart, Risto and Hayes. Not much to say about Hart other than the fact that he looks like the Hart from 2 years ago if not better! Risto was a dominant force and I noticed him on almost every shift! His stats look good too. In 20 minutes of TOI he had an assist and was a +1 with NINE hits!! Good for Hayes in getting to honor his Brother with his first goal and for coming back after what looked like a bad injury! Paging Joel Farabee!! What's going on with him? This team is going to need much more from him and Atkinson(his overtime winner was his first goal in 9 games, so no star for him) if they are going to survive this gauntlet of a schedule.

Great win last night. My 3 stars Hart, Risto and Brassard. People worrying about Seeler, I'm more concerned with Yandle. Consecutive games played be damned, he needs to sit and watch a few.

I find it almost comical about how much quieter it is on here after a win versus a loss! Philly sports fans....you can't beat em! Anyway, my 3 stars last night were Hart, Risto and Hayes. Not much to say about Hart other than the fact that he looks like the Hart from 2 years ago if not better! Risto was a dominant force and I noticed him on almost every shift! His stats look good too. In 20 minutes of TOI he had an assist and was a +1 with NINE hits!! Good for Hayes in getting to honor his Brother with his first goal and for coming back after what looked like a bad injury! Paging Joel Farabee!! What's going on with him? This team is going to need much more from him and Atkinson(his overtime winner was his first goal in 9 games, so no star for him) if they are going to survive this gauntlet of a schedule.
- Phillywhiteout

I think Hart looks better than 2 years ago. He has a confidence about him now that i havent seen before. Starting to become a veteran before our eyes, and its awesome to see.

RR was awesome, exactly what we needed against a physical team like that, winning board battles, laying some hits. Was good to see.

Now the tough part, playing like that again, and showing up every game

Great win last night. My 3 stars Hart, Risto and Brassard. People worrying about Seeler, I'm more concerned with Yandle. Consecutive games played be damned, he needs to sit and watch a few.
- backfire

Agree with Hart and RR. I think RR has been their best Dman over the last 4-5 games, he was solid last night and that kind of hockey is what I hope he can bring on a consistent basis
Dont see them sitting Yandle with that Iron Man streak, though I do think Seeler is much better in his own end than #3

Team Canada would be a great accomplishment for Carter. However, I would love it if he did not make it. I want him to win games for the Flyers. I could care less about team Canada.

Also, Risto has played well over the last handful of games. Hopefully he continues to be smart about being physical.
- mickel25

I believe the best news we've had to this point of the season is the play of Hart. He's looked very good the last while and I'm glad he's overcome last season as I thought he would.

The team Canada debate is another thing. If he keeps playing like this, I could see him making it as backup or 3rd string. Normally, I'd say Price is the shoe in starter, but with all he's been through, that may not happen this year. So then who do you have to consider? I would say possibly Fleury.. then you're down to Holtby. Best scenario for team canada would be a healthy Price backup up by Hart and Fleury i'd say.

One other aspect to consider in Hart's favour is that he's had a good track record with Hockey Canada. 2X WJ medals and a World Champ silver. I think that really solidifies him as a consideration to make the team.

Hopefully the coaching staff saw some things last night with the multiple line combinations. Most importantly, they need to split up Atkinson and Farabee. It's just not working. Flyers played a solid game. Still over reliant on goaltending but they had a much better puck drive in the 2nd and 3rd period. The Flyers continue to be a good 3rd period team. I really want to see if some different line combinations can solve some of their issues.

Farabee/Couturier/JVR
Giroux/Hayes/Atkinson
Lindblom/Laughton/Konency
Brassard/Thompson/McEwen

Flyers like most teams play better when they physically engage, Flames brought that out of them last night and it was great. I thought G was on it all night, wo great goal tending he would of have had a couple points, he also back checked and was physical. Give it to Brassard, he competes and he makes plays in traffic. Joel and cam need to start doing that. COOTS struggled the first half of the game but like a god player he shook it off. JVR was physical, Thompson just can’t keep up. Hart was well all Hart. Win 60% plus of your games the rest of the month, they will be in good shape going into December

Hopefully the coaching staff saw some things last night with the multiple line combinations. Most importantly, they need to split up Atkinson and Farabee. It's just not working. Flyers played a solid game. Still over reliant on goaltending but they had a much better puck drive in the 2nd and 3rd period. The Flyers continue to be a good 3rd period team. I really want to see if some different line combinations can solve some of their issues.

Farabee/Couturier/JVR
Giroux/Hayes/Atkinson
Lindblom/Laughton/Konency
Brassard/Thompson/McEwen
- MJL

I like those balanced lines, have to continue to try and get JVR going. Paying him 7M, give him opportunities to earn it. If he can't do it on first line then the picture may be a whole lot clearer as to what he is at this point. Lindblom has to step up, hopefully the scratch will help. It would be great to see them play a solid 3 periods, and balanced lines will help

The best game of the season so far IMO. Both teams played excellent hockey! It was as physical a game as I have seen in a while, including playoff games. Great saves! Great hits! And most importantly a great outcome for the Flyers! They really needed these two points. Happy to see Hayes playing in the 3rd period, but it underscores that he really has to take it slow, otherwise he can reinjure that core and miss the season. Carter Hart looks so good in the net, so calm, square to the shots, efficient in his movements; its really a joy to watch. And what can I say about RISTO! I love his play last night, and even Jonesy called him a "Beast" in the 3rd last night. Glad he is playing well. My only concern is once again the Flyers PP did nothing but give Calgary the momentum, and I was discouraged with how many shots went right into the chest or pads of Markstrom. Happy to see JVR shoot the puck on that 2 on 1, the Flyers as a team need to aim for more posts!

Hopefully the coaching staff saw some things last night with the multiple line combinations. Most importantly, they need to split up Atkinson and Farabee. It's just not working. Flyers played a solid game. Still over reliant on goaltending but they had a much better puck drive in the 2nd and 3rd period. The Flyers continue to be a good 3rd period team. I really want to see if some different line combinations can solve some of their issues.

Farabee/Couturier/JVR
Giroux/Hayes/Atkinson
Lindblom/Laughton/Konency
Brassard/Thompson/McEwen
- MJL

This to me is the biggest sign of the culture change on this team, the 3rd periods have been their best period.

Morning flyers fans. May I suggest a ham egg and cheese on a jalapeno cheddar bagel. What a game.

This to me is the biggest sign of the culture change on this team, the 3rd periods have been their best period.
- jd250

Nothing to do with culture


Why didn't the culture change click in during the first period? Where was the culture change in the Dallas game? Is this just a selective or inconsistent culture change. Ducks in and out?

Have not seen a flyer dman play w physicality and determination like that since Pronger. Just physically dominant.

Think we are starting to understand why 7 plus gms were in a bidding war for his services.

He is a beast when on his game and his parter is wired in.

Tkachuck on the other hand is a penalty a minute. The guy delivers more headshots than anyone I can think of in the league.
- Joe Nardone

Risto is rapidly becoming the Flyers best and most dominant defenseman! I am excited to watch him play every single game, just to see who he will pumble next!

Team Canada would be a great accomplishment for Carter. However, I would love it if he did not make it. I want him to win games for the Flyers. I could care less about team Canada.

Also, Risto has played well over the last handful of games. Hopefully he continues to be smart about being physical.
- mickel25

Agreed!

Risto is rapidly becoming the Flyers best and most dominant defenseman! I am excited to watch him play every single game, just to see who he will pumble next!
- jd250

This team is in big trouble.