Habs Trounce Flyers. Attard’s Flyers Future in Jeopardy?

The Philadelphia Flyers faced a tough challenge in their second preseason game, falling 5-0 to the Montreal Canadiens. This game was a critical opportunity to evaluate who could surprise and secure a spot on the team, but the overall performance left much to be desired.

From the get-go, it was clear that the Flyers were struggling to find their rhythm. Anthony Richard showed some early promise, and Ronnie Attard was under the spotlight to prove his worth. However, Attard’s performance was less than stellar, making crucial mistakes that could jeopardize his chances of making the team. His cross-checking penalty and a significant turnover were hard to overlook, raising questions about his future with the Flyers.

Ronnie Attard turns the puck over and Montreal scores. #LetsGoFlyers pic.twitter.com/QLuZKkYbj1

— James Iacovone (@JimIkeHW) September 24, 2024

Eetu Mäkiniemi, on the other hand, emerged as a rare bright spot. The goaltender stopped 11 of 12 shots, showcasing his potential to be a reliable option for the AHL Phantoms. Mäkiniemi’s control and composure in the crease were commendable, especially compared to Cal Peterson, who struggled significantly. With the Phantoms facing goaltending issues, Mäkiniemi’s performance was a glimmer of hope.

The defensive pairing of Rasmus Ristolainen and Egor Zamula also showed promise, but the team’s overall defensive effort was not enough to stop Montreal. Offensively, the Flyers were hemmed in their zone for most of the game, struggling to create scoring opportunities. Bobby Brink had a few nifty chances, but the team couldn’t capitalize.

Hunter McDonald stood out for his physical play, drawing a four-minute double minor penalty. His presence around the goal and in the corners was noticeable, adding some grit to the Flyers’ game. However, the team’s inability to convert on power plays and the lack of offensive firepower were glaring issues.

The Flyers’ crowded blue line makes it challenging for players like Attard to secure a spot. With established names like York, Sanheim, and Drysdale, and promising players like Oliver Bonk, the competition is fierce. Attard’s window of opportunity seems to be closing, and his performance in this game didn’t help his case.

As the Flyers prepare for their next preseason game against the New York Islanders, there’s a lot to ponder. The team needs to address its defensive lapses and find ways to generate more offense. The preseason is a time for evaluation and adjustment, and the Flyers have some critical decisions to make.

Tune in to our latest episode for a detailed breakdown of the game, player performances, and what this means for the Flyers moving forward. We dive deep into the analysis, providing insights that every Flyers fan needs to hear. Don’t miss it!