The Philadelphia Flyers know that Shayne Gostisbehere’s rookie season will come with growing pains. But those growing pains are much easier to swallow when they come with offensive instincts that can singlehandedly turn a game.
Gostisbehere was the hero tonight, finding an open space in the slot during a 4-on-3 power play opportunity and blasting a shot past goaltender Eddie Lack to give the Flyers a 3-2 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes. Claude Giroux and Jakub Voracek assisted on Gostisbehere’s game winner, which was only necessary because Philadelphia blew a 2-0 lead in the third period.
The Flyers looked the better team from the start. While the game remained scoreless after the first period, Philadelphia outshot Carolina 11-10, and got the better of play at even strength. But the second period was when the Flyers truly took over and in turn, ended the team’s two-game goalless drought. Philadelphia’s special teams finally answered the bell – Brayden Schenn scored on the power play, while Giroux was able to knock home a rebound during a shorthanded rush. As the second period came to a close, the Flyers were in full control.
Philadelphia began the third period playing a calm, controlled game, but Carolina quickly found their legs after Victor Rask took advantage of a Michal Neuvirth rebound to cut the lead to one goal. From then on, the Hurricanes were swarming, and with Neuvirth fighting the puck, a tying goal seemed inevitable. It was defenseman Brett Pesce who finally delivered with four minutes left in regulation, pinching deep into the zone after a faceoff to pounce on another Neuvirth rebound and even the score at 2-2.
The 3-on-3 overtime barely had a chance to get started before the Flyers were back on the power play. Gostisbehere may get the glory, but Sean Couturier was the unsung hero of the night. Just seconds into the 3-on-3 overtime, Couturier entered the offensive zone with speed and attacked the net, forcing Victor Rask to take an obstruction penalty. The ensuing power play lasted only 13 seconds before Philadelphia’s prized rookie ended it.
Comment of the Night
DAT ONE TIMER DOE
>> Kimmosahbee
