History at the Wells Fargo Center was made, but not in a good way. The Philadelphia Flyers (13-19-8) dropped their tenth in a row for the second time of this nightmarish season. The Columbus Blue Jackets (18-18-1) did the honors with a 2-1 victory.
“We can try to beat them down and get mad at them. I think when you’re doing that, you’re trying to motivate them. I don’t think motivation is an issue,” Yeo said. “We’re being challenged. We have to rise up to the challenge and find a way to be better and we have to find a way to overcome it.”
After a scoreless opening period, the Blue Jackets got on the board at 11:53 of the second period. This is off a Boone Jenner, Sean Kuraly set up that Oliver Bjorkstram buried for his 12th. The Wells Fargo Center crowd fell silent. The stanza came to its conclusion and the crowd began to thin out.
Now What?
The lead doubled with Jenner getting his second point. Dean Kukan did the work that was converted by Patrick Laine and with 14:10 to play, the outcome seemed to be apparent.
Showing some fight, Gerry Mayhew hit the net off a shot that looked like it came from Broad Street. The goal marked the first for Mayhew with helpers going to Scott Laughton and Rasmus Ristolainen. With 6:20 to play, there was a light at the end of the tunnel. The light was turned off by Columbus net-minder, Elvis Merlikens who stopped 33 shots.
Backstory
Flyers management had to notice the attendance issue. Many of the “good seats” were either empty or vacated before game’s end. The worst thing for any sports team is fan apathy. Empty seats aren’t paying any bills. History at the Wells Fargo Center is going to haunt this team.
Prior to the game, Jake Voracek wandered into the Philadelphia locker room. Flyers GM, Chuck Fletcher presented the former Flyer with a crystal to celebrate Voracek playing 1000 games, with 727 as a member of the Flyers. Voracek was treated to a wonderful video tribute and received a warm reception from the fans. “That video was nice. The ovation was beautiful from the fans, so thank you for that,” he said.
Kevin has followed and promoted the game of lacrosse since May 19, 1974.
The same day the Philadelphia Flyers won the Cup, the Philadelphia Wings were introduced to Neibauer and Philadelphia.
Kevin has covered many sports, including baseball, football, basketball, and.. lacrosse. A former licensed football referee and baseball umpire, Kevin brings a unique insight to his game coverage.
A published writer in JustHockey Magazine, Kevin covered the American Hockey League as well as a monthly story on a pugilist where Kevin used the pen name, The Rink Rat. Neibauer turned his attentions to lacrosse for a few years and does his part, whether podcasting or writing to grow the game. Kevin branched out to his roots and currently provides insight for all Philadelphia teams for Edge of Philly as well as his full-time duties with LaxPhilly.
Latest Articles
Rochester completes comeback over CalgaryLacrosse, NLL
Philadelphia Wings Flying In The Right DirectionLacrosse, NLL
Round 1 In The Battle Of PA Goes To The FlyersFlyers
Jake Withers runs wild over the Saskatchewan RushLacrosse, NLL
Going The Distance, Coming Up ShortSixers
