Flyers Trapped, Upset By Canadiens

After completing the seven-game gauntlet, the Flyers face the Montreal Canadiens, aiming to extend their lead over the Washington Capitals in the playoff chase. 

The Flyers earned the game’s first power play when Arber Xhekaj was called for slashing at the 6:47 mark of the first period. Though they couldn’t capitalize, they managed to put a few shots on net. Travis Sanheim’s interference penalty at 11:37 gave the Canadiens their first power play, during which Nick Suzuki scored with a setup from Juraj Slavkovsky. Jesse Ylonen extended the Canadiens’ lead to 2-0 at 16:46, with assists from Jayden Struble and Suzuki. As the first period ended, Scott Laughton and Xhekaj were called for roughing.

SON 30e DE LA SAISON!

GOAL NO. 3️⃣0️⃣ OF THE SEASON FOR NICK!#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/AbFzdiar83

— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) March 28, 2024

Second Period

The second period saw 4-on-4 play after penalties to Owen Tippett for cross-checking and Struble for roughing. Both teams failed to convert chances. Ronnie Attard’s tripping penalty gave the Canadiens a power play, but the Flyers effectively cleared the puck. The Flyers got their second power play when Colin White was called for slashing, but couldn’t capitalize. A goal by Garnet Hathaway was disallowed for a distinct kicking motion, and the Flyers received their third power play due to a hooking penalty on Josh Anderson. They later received their fourth power play when Xhekaj was called for hooking in the third period but couldn’t convert.

Third Period

Joel Armia scored an empty-netter, giving the Canadiens a 3-0 lead during 4-on-4 play. Owen Tippett got the Flyers on the board late in the third period, assisted by Hathaway and Travis Konecny. Despite pulling Sam Ersson for an extra attacker, the Flyers couldn’t close the gap, and Jake Evans scored an empty-netter for the Canadiens, sealing a 4-1 victory.

Sam Ersson saved 13 of 15 shots faced, while Cayden Primeau stopped 29 of 30 shots. The Flyers went 0 for 4 on the power play and 1 for 2 on the penalty kill. This loss is significant for the Flyers as they failed to secure any points.

Goal Summary:

1st Period
Suzuki (30) (Power Play) Assists: Slafkovsky (26), Matheson (39)
Ylonen (4) Assists: Struble (5), Suzuki (39)

2nd Period
No goals

3rd Period
Armia (13) (Empty Net) Assists: Matheson (40), Guhle (15)
Tippett (27) Assists: Hathaway (7), Konecny (33)
Evans (6) (Empty Net) Assists: Matheson (41), Armia (6)

Flyers Next Game:

Flyers’ next game is Saturday, March 30th, in Philadelphia against the Chicago Blackhawks.

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