Post-Game Talk: GAME 72 - Sons of Gritty 3 BRUINS 2

[Fenway]

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Tyson Foerster scored with 1:29 left and the Philadelphia Flyers snapped a seven-game losing streak to Boston with a 3-2 win over the Bruins on Saturday.​

Travis Konecny scored two goals and Foerster also had an assist. Samuel Ersson made 18 saves in Philadelphia's first victory over Boston since Oct. 20, 2021.

Justin Brazeau and Danton Heinen scored for the Bruins in the opener of a six-game trip. Linus Ullmark made 26 stops.

Boston started play with an NHL-leading 97 points as it looks to repeat as the Presidents’ Trophy winners, which is awarded to the team with the best regular-season record. Philadelphia began play in third place in the Metropolitan Division, and the victory over the Bruins will boost the rebuilding Flyers’ surprising playoff chances.

“That’s two games in a row that our third periods have been our strongest periods,” Flyers coach John Tortorella said.

The teams engaged in a tight checking contest, with quality scoring chances hard to come by, until there was a flurry of offense in the final minutes.

“These are the games you want to be in this time of year," Heinen said. “Coming up, that’s what they’re going to be like.”

Konecny put Philadelphia ahead 2-1 with a wrist shot from the circle 15:16 into the third period. He has a team-high 30 goals on the season.

“I’m honestly trying not to think about that,” Konecny said. “It’s awesome, but it’s so important for us to stay focused on the season. I think, truly, right now no one cares about their personal stuff.”

Heinen answered with his 14th goal at 16:12. He converted a one-timer from the side of the net.

Foerster netted the go-ahead tally with a perfectly placed wrist shot from long range that went over Ullmark’s left shoulder. It was Foerster's 18th goal.

“As he continues to get better, we’re only going to see more of that,” Konecny said.

Philadelphia captain Sean Couturier returned to the lineup after two consecutive games as a healthy scratch.

“Coots was good,” Tortorella said.

Philadelphia got on the board first when Konecny scored on a power play with 1:45 left in the second. Scott Laughton passed to the slot to Foerster, who partially fanned on a one-timer attempt. But the puck went to a wide-open Konecny at the side of the net.

The Flyers nearly went up two goals entering the second intermission, but Ullmark made a stellar glove save on Laughton’s backhander on a breakaway in the final minute.

The Bruins tied it with 9:41 remaining in the third when Brazeau scored on a backhander from in close.

“I thought my best chance was going to the back post, and I did and got lucky it went in,” Brazeau said.

UP NEXT

Bruins: At Florida on Tuesday night.

Flyers: Host Florida on Sunday night.

Click to read more...

 

[Gee Wally]

 

[smithformeragent]

 

[Ladyfan]

Terrible game.

 

[Mamrd]

Ugly game.

 

[KrejciWinger]

These games don't matter. Give me Leafs round 1 and if we can't beat them then we're not beating anyone.

 

[Trizz617]

Feels like this team has been playing with house money all year. To be where they are in the standings now, is kind of miraculous to be honest. Are they a good team? Sure, when they're not shooting themselves in the foot. Trying hard not to allow games like this to irritate me too much than they do already.

At this point, stay healthy and tighten up their game heading towards the P'O's man. I can't say with any certainty that I have lofty expectations of this bunch, as currently constituted. Who knows what the second season will bring though?

 

[veganbruin]

Uninspired hockey. Fairly unlikable team. Not much battle factor. Hate these afternoon games. Wouldn’t be surprised if we go 500 the rest.

 

[Aussie Bruin]

This team can't really get by on cruising. They don't have the talent or the defensive size/toughness. Needs to be full effort or close to it or we get results like this that frankly could have been worse. That said, they can't play at 95-100% every night and nor should they seek to.

So how to approach the run home? 10 games left, 7 on the road, 6 against legit playoff teams and another 2 against the Caps who are still pushing hard for a spot. That's a tough tough schedule. In terms of points I don't care about top spot, just want to retain home ice advantage against the Leafs, who may yet be closer than they appear with 4 games in hand. It's a balancing act. The Bruins can't end the season getting smacked around by playoff teams, but nor is it really in their interests to go full-tilt right through these last 3 and a half weeks. They need to handle the roster well and manage minutes for some of the guys who have had big workloads.

More than anything they have an opportunity to really test themselves and get battle ready for the postseason against opponents who will consistently test them out. Hopefully they use it wisely.

 

[trenton1]

Yuck. Philly f***ing sucks.

 

[AngryMilkcrates]

Oh, look! They laid an Easter egg!

 

[eightspokedb]

Terrible game.

I gave up in the third...I hate I wasted all that electricity on that horrid effort.....Brasseau's goal was awesome.....hope the Providence Bruins put out a better effort.....

 

[Ladyfan]

The chance of the Bruins winning the cup this year is LOW. I would love it if they did but come on.

This is a year of transition.

I am cheering them on to whatever end.

 

[rfournier103]

I guess we’re on to Florida.

 

[Gonzothe7thDman]

These games don't matter. Give me Leafs round 1 and if we can't beat them then we're not beating anyone.

Florida didn’t even seem like they wanted to make the playoffs down the stretch last season. They made it on Pittsburghs good graces.

I don’t know if how you play down the stretch has any bearing on postseason performance

 

[TP70BruinsCup]

View attachment 840497

Touché!

 

[mjhfb]

If you are searching for positives, Heinen and Brazeau seem to care.

 

[dugg133]

Florida didn’t even seem like they wanted to make the playoffs down the stretch last season. They made it on Pittsburghs good graces.

I don’t know if how you play down the stretch has any bearing on postseason performance

The Avs went 1-6 in their last 7 games in 2021-22 and then lost 4 total games after on their way to the cup. If a team is good then they turn it on when it matters, no matter how well/poorly they close out the year. Getting worked up about a loss in a matinee game against the flyers just isn't worth the effort.

 

[22Brad Park]

Leafs win tonite they will be 8 out with 3 games at hand.Be funny they win division.

 

[PatriceBergeronFan]

Terrible game. Terrible lack of response to Marchand's kneeing.

Terrible lack of integrity by the NHL officials who undoubtedly saw Marchand kneed, allowed it, and threw their own tantrum with the penalty.

 

[JAD]

Not a good loss for Boston, their schedule is brutal the next 7 games. They are going to have to dig deep and show character and mental fortitude.

 

[BiteThisBurrows]

If you are searching for positives, Heinen and Brazeau seem to care.

Of course they do. I would say all the guys who fought to earn jobs are playing well and care. The problem is the veterans/leaders.
But really, it's the same story as all season. They stay in close games because of good goaltending but they can't score and if Pasta doesn't, that's pretty much it for the night. Late goal, one goal loss, it's the story of the season.
I see nothing waiting in the wings that would elevate this team come playoff time. They are what they are.

 

[rfournier103]

Terrible lack of integrity by the NHL officials who undoubtedly saw Marchand kneed, allowed it, and threw their own tantrum with the penalty.

Yes. This.

Ever since the 2019 Final and subsequent rumblings about “game management,” my faith in the integrity of the league has been shaken, to put it mildly.

 

[bbfan419]

Watching this game was like watching the grass grow.

 

[Donnie Shulzhoffer]

What a perfect time to play like shit