Heading into the season it was clear the Philadelphia Flyers (2-0-0) would need contributions from the entire roster. Despite being outshot, 33-19 in their home building, the Flyers grit out and earned a second consecutive win. The Pittsburg Crosby’s (0-2-0) fall to Philly on Friday night in South Philadelphia.
Crosby (1g) was dominant in the first stanza, going 8 of 9 on faceoffs. But, the Philadelphia back checkers nearly neutralized the visitor’s attack. The leading scorer for Philadelphia last season stole the first-period show with a pair of goals. He had a shot go off Travis Konecny‘s skate on the man up to give the good guys a 1-0 edge at 12:33.
Just 1:54 later, Nolan Patrick (1a) and James Van Riemsdyk (2a) continued their torrid start and set up the second Konecny tally to set Philly into their mojo. Ivan Provorov (1g) added to the deluge when he converted a Jake Vorachek (1a). A second JVR feed to push it to 3-0.
The goal chased Pittsburgh starting netminder, Tristan Jarry (3 goals off 5 shots) and the complexion of the game would change. Crosby and Brandon Tanov found net behind Hart just :30 apart and it was white knuckle time. At the end of the first, it was 3-2. Same could be said for the second.
Hart and replacement Pens backstopper, Casey DeSmith (13 saves off 14 shots) took center stage. Hart, exhibiting why he is a Vezina Candidate, took the stage. No less than three saves on Pittsburgh 2 on 1’s brought the cardboard patrons to their feet.
With 6:07 to play, Konecny would collect his first NHL hat trick off Kevin Hayes (1a) and a Claude Giroux (1a) set up that, once again, went off his skate. The feel-good story in the hockey world, Oskar Lindblom hit the empty Pens net to cement a solid start to the Flyers season.
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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.
