In The Crease – Flyers vs Panthers
The Philadelphia Flyers improved to 5-2 on the young season after defeating the Florida Panthers, 4-3, in South Philadelphia. To the surprise of many, the Flyers sit atop the Metropolitan Division with 10 points after seven games.
Carter Hart was strong in net, stopping 48 of the 51 shots that he faced, giving up three goals to a Panthers squad that peppered him with shots. Two of which came in the opening period. Florida’s Gustav Forsling got the scoring started as he snuck the first goal past Hart in just under four minutes of play. The Flyers responded as Tony DeAngelo knotted things up at 1-1, exactly three minutes later on the game clock. The Panthers answered in a little over a minute to take a 2-1 lead. But the Flyers weren’t going away quietly. With the home team on the power play, Scott Laughton evened the score at 2-2 with a few minutes to play before the first intermission. A lot of activity early on.
The Orange and Black took control of the game coming out of the locker room. Zack MacEwan and Joel Farabee each scored midway through the second period. Hart didn’t allow a goal in the period as the Flyers took a 4-2 lead into the next break. Florida tacked on another goal 36 seconds into the third period to cut Philadelphia’s lead to one. Hart stood tall the rest of the way as the Flyers secured their fifth victory of the campaign behind their starting netminder.
A lot of credit has to go to head coach John Tortorella for the job that he has done with this team. He has come in and implemented his style, system and culture — it’s very early but they’re playing for him and the results are there. A solid start for this hockey team.
The Carolina Hurricanes are up next for the Flyers on Saturday in South Philadelphia. The Hurricanes are tied for second in the division with nine points and a 4-1-1 record. A good test for the Flyers.
