Travis Sanheim and Kevin Hayes both net a pair of goals in 5-1 win over the New York Rangers at the Wells Fargo Center on Dec. 23, 2019.
It was 1-1 going into the third period after two periods of tightly contested play and great goaltending (along with 13 penalties), but the Flyers came out wheeling in the third and tucked in 4 unanswered goals. Head Coach Alain Vigneault and Center Kevin Hayes both get their first win versus their former team in the 5-1 victory.
An altercation between Brendan Lemieux #48 of the New York Rangers and Kevin Hayes #13 of the Philadelphia Flyers is broken up by Linesman Shandor Alphonso (#52)
The Travis Sanheim goal with 1.7 seconds left in the second sparked a huge third period surge for the Flyers where they would go on to score 4 straight goals. “There’s no doubt that the goal at the end of the second period gave us a boost both momentum-wise and energy-wise.” Head Coach Vigneault said in the press conference after the game.
Kevin Hayes then sniped the puck top corner past the glove of Henrik Lundqvist to put the Flyers ahead 2-1 with 12:29 remaining in the third period. New York native Joel Farabee along with James VanReimsdyk earned the assists on the goal. “I looked at him before the game and said that this is a big game for the both of us, and he delivered with two huge goals.” Head Coach Vigneault said about Hayes after the game. He described his second goal as “a bit of a lucky shot.” And downplayed the game versus the former team saying, “It does mean a little bit more, but it was nothing two serious, just another game that I’m glad we were able to win and have fun.”
Flyers Goalie Carter Hart put on a show tonight saving 34 of the 35 shots that he faced in net. “He was the best player on the ice, no doubt.” Coach Vigneault said when asked about Hart’s play in net tonight.
Veteran Henrik Lundqvist put on a clinic as well looking like he took a sip from the fountain of youth, until he let up 4 consecutive goals in the last 12 minutes of play. “It is pretty cool to play against him, I think he is a hall of famer no doubt but now I am past that point (of getting excited to play veterans like Lundqvist) and now I just have to go out and play and I don’t really worry about who is in the other end.” 21-year-old Hart said after the game.
Nicholas Aube-Kubel scored his first NHL goal with only 58 seconds left to put the Flyers up 5-1. “It was special for me, I have been dreaming about this moment since I was playing pond hockey (in Alberta, CA) growing up.” Aube-Kubel said.
All images by Lewis.Bleiman@prohockeynews.com
Kevin Hayes #13 of the Philadelphia Flyers scores against Henrik Lundqvist #30 of the New York Rangers
Pavel Buchnevich #89 of the New York Rangers battles Justin Braun #61 of the Philadelphia Flyers in front of Flyers Goalie Carter Hart #79.
Goalie Henrik Lundqvist #30 of the New York Rangers makes a blocker save.
Carter Hart #79 of the Philadelphia Flyers covers the puck in front of the oncoming Jacob Trouba #8 of the New York Rangers
Claude Giroux #28 of the Philadelphia Flyers is chased down by Jacob Trouba #8 of the New York Rangers
Henrik Lundqvist #30 of the New York Rangers makes a pad save.
Philadelphia Flyers and New York Rangers players scramble for the loose puck in front of the Rangers net.
Goalie Carter Hart #79 of the Philadelphia Flyers looks over his shoulder to see the puck enter the net.
Goalie Henrik Lundqvist #30 and Marc Staal #18 of the New York Rangers battleTravis Konecny #11 of the Philadelphia Flyers
Kevin Hayes #13 of the Philadelphia Flyers fends off Artemi Panarin #10 of the New York Rangers
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