The Flyers headed into the Boston series feeling “ehh” about their start to the season. 3-1 heading into the two games in Boston, looking to build onto of a 3-0 shutout vs Buffalo. Thanks to Brian Elliotts 40 save performance.

Game 1 vs Boston (L 5-4 SO)

You can make an argument the Flyers played a better game last night than they did Thursday night. Outshot 43-26 Thursday, the Flyers couldn’t complete a simple routine play. Sloppy breakouts, lazy neutral zone turnovers, they had zero business being in this game.

But they were, somehow. They even had a 2-0 lead heading into the 3rd period. Time to clamp things up defensively and take 2 points home, right? Funny stuff.

After losing a 2-0 lead in the third (you just felt it coming), JVR tied the game up on the power play, off a beautiful feed from Voracek.

Like I said before, the Flyers arguably played a better game last night than they did Thursday. The forecheck was better last night, it had more of a bite, but they couldn’t do anything with it. They were winning face-offs but losing the 1 on 1 battle right after, giving up possession. Winning a key face-off doesn’t mean anything if you can’t posses the puck and break it out.

Overtime came and went but not before the Flyers had some grade-A chances. Sanheim made a really nice play from the point, sifting the puck through and creating a perfect rebound chance. Voracek does everything you should do here, Rask just decided to be a wall in this OT, unreal.

Another incredible save from Rask off a nice feed from Voracek to Hayes.

The Flyers went on to lose 5-4 in the shootout, not one Flyer scored. A disapointing game in every aspect. They had a 2-0 lead but if you were watching the game it was just a matter of time they broke through. Carter Hart can’t stand on his head forever.

Voracek has been one of the better Flyers this season so far (1G-6A-7P in 6 games). It’s not just the scoresheet that has told the story for Jake, he made some great defensive plays in the two Boston games that often found myself saying, “Damn, Jake…Okay.” He’s 3rd on the team in points right now.

JVR collected 2 goals Thursday night as well, the second one being the game tying goal. He was one of the veterans that needed to have a good start and so far, so good for JVR (3G-2A-5P in 6 games).

Game 2 vs Boston (L 6-1)

This game. What an ugly game in every way possible.

The Flyers cleaned up (a little) what they needed clean up from the previous game. The breakouts were improved (kinda), they were playing better defense in neutral zone. That was all fun while it lasted.

Kevin Hayes scored 1:14 into the 2nd period, tying the game up at 1-1. The last goal from the Flyers and the beginning of the end in this game. Here’s the goal.

The Flyers gave the lead back almost right away on a goal from Craig Smith. The Bruins just kept piling it on the Flyers after this, leaving them zero chance to climb their way back into this game.

Newly acquired defenseman, Erik Gustafsson had a really really awful play where the puck was bouncing around the dot and Gustafsson made a lazy play on the puck, gets completely out muscled by Bergeron and Marchand scored. I mean, are we serious with this?

A terrible game that ended with our Franchise goalie taking out his frustrations on the net.

Hart apologized post-game, calling what happened, “unprofessional”. Personally, I love it. It shows that he cares. Also love the fact that Giroux was front and center to the Hart smashing his stick show. Good. Maybe don’t leave your goalies out to hang every game to start the season. This is a 56-game season, we’re already 10% of the way through. This group needs to figure it out.

Wake up.

Quick Thoughts

• The one worry I had coming into this season (mentioned on the pod) was that spot next to Provorov. The addition of Gustafsson was never going to replace Niskanen. They need a Top 4 defenseman.
• The power-play is disgusting. 5 of 19 on the season. Something has to give.
• The Flyers have been outshot in every game this season. 142 to 213 on the season. Differential of 71 shots. Seventy – one SHOTS.
• Konecny, Patrick or Giroux all didn’t have a shot through 40 min. Unacceptable.
• Sanhiem – Provorov is only pair we can trust
• The loss of Couturier is so noticeable, he’s such a huge part of this team.
• Not worried about the forward group. Too much talent to play like this. 2nd in the league in goals with 20 for the season.
• I miss Morgan Frost

Mandatory Credit: Flyers Photo by Len Redkoles/NHLI via Getty Images)