Binnington Carries Blues Past Flyers

The Flyers hosted the Blues on Monday night in what was sure to be an intense showdown as Kevin Hayes made his highly anticipated return to Philadelphia.

Facing his former team for the first time since last season’s trade. With just 22 points, including 10 goals and 12 assists, Hayes is set to hit the ice in a thrilling matchup against the Flyers.

First Period

Oskar Sundqvist incurred the game’s first penalty at 12:33, called for hooking Owen Tippett. Although the Flyers managed some impressive shots, none were put past St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington.

The Flyers seized a 1-0 lead with just 1:08 left in the first period. Ryan Poehling’s initial shot rebounded off Binnington’s stick and then off Scott Laughton’s glove, ultimately finding the net. Poehling and Travis Sanheim were credited with assists on the play.

Second Period

The Blues earned their first powerplay opportunity of the game at 10:13 when Nick Seeler was penalized for interference. With the help of some remarkable saves by Sam Ersson, the Flyers successfully killed off the powerplay.

Shortly after the Seeler penalty, Yegor Zamula was called for holding, yet the Blues struggled to capitalize as Ersson continued to deny their attempts. The Flyers provided crucial assistance by blocking several shots.

Hayes would eventually level the score at one, streaking ahead of the play and slipping the puck through Ersson’s five-hole. Kaspari Kapanen received the lone assist on the goal.

Third Period

Sundqvist incurred his second penalty of the game, called for slashing Tyson Foerster. Despite numerous close-in opportunities, the Flyers couldn’t find the back of the net.

Marc Staal later received a tripping penalty, granting the Blues their third powerplay of the game. The Flyers successfully thwarted the advantage, with Ersson delivering stellar saves in the crease.

Overtime

In the overtime period, both teams had numerous chances, but the goaltenders stood strong, denying all attempts.

The game proceeded to a shootout, where Jake Neighbors and Morgan Frost found the net against the opposing goaltenders. However, Pavel Buchnevich secured the decisive goal, granting the Blues the second point.

Ersson and Binnington each played remarkably throughout the night. Binnington stopped 40 of 41 shots faced, while Ersson saved 24 of 25 shots faced.

Each teams’ powerplay went scoreless (Flyers 0 for 2, Blues 0 for 3), as they both successfully killed off all penalties.

The Flyers managed to secure a valuable point in the matchup.

Goal Summary:

First Period
Laughton (10) Assists: Poehling (13), Sanheim (29)  

Second Period
Hayes (11) Assists: Kapanen (12) 

Third Period
No goals scored

Overtime
No goals scored

Flyers Next Game:
Flyers’ next game is Thursday, March 7th, in Florida against the Panthers. 

MEGHAN REILLY IS A CONTRIBUTOR AND LIVE GAME TWEETER FOR HW HOCKEY
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