In their final preseason game before we enter the 2023-24 season, the Philadelphia Flyers defeated the New York Islanders 5-2 in Philly.
There were lots of bright spots as the Flyers played a complete game in their final dress rehearsal.
FIRST PERIOD
Things got going quick as the Islanders put one on the board only 1:54 in, as Karson Kuhlman scored on a wrist shot.
However, that would be the only action the Islanders goal ticker would see for a while as the Flyers responded and began to take over the game.
It was the 4th line that got the Flyers on track as Nicolas Deslauriers buried one to tie the game at 1, 15:15 in. Hathaway, Poehling and Deslauriers absolutely set the tone tonight for the Flyers and it’s looking like they will be cemented as the 4th line when the season begins.
The Flyers broke that tie quick when 16:24 into the first period, Travis Konecny found Noah Cates with a sweet backhanded saucer pass, who then with a backhand shot of his own got the puck by Semyon Varlamov. It was a beautiful goal and hopefully showcased things to come for these two players.
The Flyers led 2-1 after the first.
SECOND PERIOD
The Flyers continued putting on pressure in the second period. The Islanders didn’t have their A-team out there tonight and it was evident by how the Flyers controlled the puck and generated multiple scoring chances. At the end of this game the Flyers would outshoot the Isles 31-16.
In this second period Owen Tippett showed off his speed and skill when he zipped by an Isles defender and let one rip off of Varlamov, who had no shot of controlling the rebound. Tippett easily scored off his own bounce 8:14 in.
Later on, the Flyers had an opportunity to practice some 5-on-3 when Casey Cizikas went to the box for interference. The Flyers really took their time and were patient on this 2-man advantage and it paid off. Cam York sent a crisp pass over to Sean Couturier, who was positioned on Varlamov’s left side and a little behind the net. Coots immediately found a wide open Konecny who one-timed it passed the Islanders netminder.
The Flyers now led 4-1 and were completely in control of this game.
THIRD PERIOD
For the first 5 minutes of the third period, the Flyers were skating circles around the Islanders and controlling the puck really well. It seemed as though the Flyers were probably going to get another one on the board until a fluke play occurred.
Carter Hart, who up until then was playing a solid game; even though the Isles weren’t mustering up a lot of offense, went behind the net to play the puck which took a bad bounce. New York quickly possessed the puck and scored on an open net. It was Brian Pinho with the goal 5:45 into the 3rd.
The Flyers’ lead was cut to two goals now and the Isles showed some life. That was extinguished about 2 minutes later on a beautiful goal by Cam Atkinson thanks to a nice heads up play by Morgan Frost, who recorded the assist. Frost noticed the defender on Cam had a broken stick and took advantage, skating into the offensive zone, creating a 2 on 2 with Cam on his right side and dishing him the puck. Atkinson took care of the rest.
A great answer by the Flyers to go back up 3.
The Flyers wouldn’t concede any more goals and hold on to win their preseason finale 5-2, going 3-2-1.
PLAYER NOTES
- The Deslauriers/Poehling/Hathaway line was all over the ice. Hopefully this line is final and we see it in the regular season.
- Carter Hart didn’t see a ton of shots tonight, 16 to be exact. He still was very sound and saved 14 of the 16 he faced (the 2nd goal coming from a miscue behind the net). It seems Hart is primed and ready to go for the season. This was evident when with 3:06 left in the 3rd he stoned an Islander on the breakaway with a quick glove hand stop.
- Owen Tippett scored his first preseason goal tonight and is looking to build off of his stellar season last year. A good way to end the preseason for him.
- Morgan Frost recorded 2 assists and was the 2nd star of the night.
- Travis Konecny had a pretty one-timer off the pass from Sean Couturier and also recorded an assist. At times he was chippy as well and seems to be ready to go.
UP NEXT
The Flyers begin their regular season on Thursday, October 12th in Columbus against the Blue Jackets.
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