PHILADELPHIA, Pa- The Philadelphia Flyers welcomed former head coach Peter Laviolette back to the Wells Fargo Center, as the Flyers faced off against the Nashville Predators Saturday afternoon.
Image by Lewis Bleiman
When last meeting on December 27th in Nashville, Flyers dropped to the Predators in 4-1, Claude Giroux with the only goal for Philadelphia.
Playing on the same line since 2012, Jakub Voracek and Claude Giroux have been broken up and appeared on separate lines against Nashville.
“Broken up sounds pretty sad,” laughed Captain Giroux following Friday’s practice. “We had a lot of chemistry in the past and this year too.”
When asked about who he has been with longer Giroux or his girlfriend, Voracek said, “I think my girlfriend…oh my God, you got me now. She’s gonna be mad. I think it’s my girlfriend. But G [Giroux] is like my second girlfriend.” He continued with a smile, ” It’s hockey, it changes, comes and goes, it is what it is.”
Making his return to the line up after sitting ten games, Zac Rinaldo suited up. Rinaldo missed eight of those games due to boarding/headshot suspension against Pittsburgh Penguins Kris Letang on January 20th. With Rinaldo in, head coach Craig Berube sat slumping forward, Vincent Lecavalier.
Image by Lewis Bleiman
Called up just over a week ago, Rob Zepp took his stance in between the pipes with Nashville’s go to man, Pekka Rinne across the ice.
With new line combinations in effect, the first period was underway.
Beginning the period with fast paced physical hockey, the Flyers began to dominate.
Redirecting a shot by Michael Del Zotto, Wayne Simmonds netted in his 23rd goal of the season, getting the Flyers the first tally of the game,
Image by Lewis Bleiman
Finding the puck on his stick in Philadelphia’s zone, Colin Wilson sent the puck past Zepp for the equalizer. Wilson’s goal was the second shot Zepp faced in the first period.
Guilty of slashing with 5 seconds remaining in the period, Predator’s Captain Shea Weber took a seat in the penalty box.
At the end of the first, Philadelphia outshot Nashville 13-3.
Coming out for the second frame of hockey with 1:55 remaining on the power play, the Flyers hoped to increase the lead.
As man-advantage time diminished, the Flyers could not produce.
Image by Lewis Bleiman
With pushing shoving in the corner, the men in orange and black were the guilty party. Receiving a ten minute game mis-conduct, Rinaldo took a seat in the sin bin. Earning a spot next to Rinaldo, Chris VandeVelde was in for making contact to the head.
Failing to score on the power play, the game played on.
Keeping the success of new lines coming, the Flyers went to work in Nashville’s zone.
Lighting the lamp for the second consecutive game, Ryan White sent the puck to the back of the net.
Holding onto the lead as the horn sound, Philadelphia had 2-1 lead over Nashville.
Wasting no time in the third period, Craig Smith skated in on Zepp. Scoring his 18th goal of the season, Smith tied the game just 23 seconds into the period.
With a quiet third period in the books, 60 minutes of hockey wasn’t enough to determine a winner.
Image by Lewis Bleiman
Having ample scoring chances, neither team put one away in overtime. A shootout would determine the victor.
The fans of Philadelphia stood on their feet as Voracek took the ice for the Flyers. Skating in on Rinne, Voracek slipped the puck into the net.
Taking a chance against Zepp was Nashville’s Matt Cullen. Denied with the pad save, Flyers were still on top.
Making his way to the ice, Simmonds had a chance to increase the Flyers lead. Sending the puck top shelf, Simmonds scored.
Hoping to keep his squad in the game, Smith had the puck on his stick. Snagging Smith with the glove save, Flyers earned the extra point in the contest.
Image by Lewis Bleiman
The Philadelphia Flyers topped Nashville Predators 3-2 in the shootout.
“Unfortunately, we don’t play like this every night,” said Simmonds following the win. “We’ve got to figure out a way to play like that against team that are below or the same as us. I think we focus in on what we need to do. We keep it more simple. We don’t try to do anything extra and it worked out.”
Happy with his team’s effort against the top team in the NHL, Berube stated, “Maybe knowing that we’re playing a top team in the league, you have to, got to play simple hockey, and we did for most of the game.” He continued, “That’s the key to any game. if you play simple, support each other out there, and do what you’re supposed to do, you’ll have success.”
With a quick turnaround, the Flyers will face the Washington Capitals Sunday afternoon as the U.S. celebrates Hockey Day in America.
Puck drop between the Washington Capitals and Philadelphia Flyers is slated for 12:30 p.m.
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