Philly Sports Today

For some reason, the Flyers just keep winning. Regardless of how the game plays out, they always seem to find a way to be in it at the end. Last night’s game was no exception as the Flyers rallied from an early two goal deficit to claim a 4-3 win over the New York Islanders in the opening game of a four game homestand. The win moved Philly into a tie for second place in the Atlantic Division with the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Flyers are also only four points behind the division-leading New York Rangers, with the Rangers having played three more games.

Initially, it looked like it was going to be a long night for the Flyers. Andy Hilbert scored a power play goal halfway through the first period and Doug Weight pounded home a rebound about a minute later. Just like that, it was 2-0 Islanders. Shortly thereafter, offensively inept Arron Asham blasted a shot past Islanders’ goalie Yann Danis that cut New York’s lead to 2-1. Both teams were pretty even in the first, but Martin Biron’s constant problem with controlling shots was the main reason that the Flyers trailed.

In the second period, the Flyers exerted their dominance and held the Islanders to only five shots. Offensively for Philly, Darroll Powe scored his first NHL goal to tie the game at 2-2. Later in the second, Jeff Carter cashed in on a rebound opportunity and scored his 20th goal of the year, which moved him into a tie for first place in the league in goals and also put the Flyers ahead 3-2 heading into the third period.

In the third, the Islanders were clearly the aggressors and outshot the Flyers 11-4. Early in the period, Blake Comeau fired a shot past Biron that tied the game at 3-3. The Flyers answered about halfway through the period when Mike Richards set up Simon Gagne for a score with a beautiful one-timer that put Philly in front 4-3. Gagne’s 14th goal of the year proved to be the game-winner as the Flyers held on for a 4-3 win. The Broad Street Bullies are now unbeaten in their last seven home games, with a mark of 5-0-2.

In net, Biron made 24 saves and picked up his ninth straight win over the Islanders. Danis stopped 21 shot.

The Flyers return to the ice tomorrow night when they host the Carolina Hurricanes for the fourth time in 16 days. The road team has won each of the previous three meetings, but at least the Flyers’ loss was in overtime. Hopefully, the Fly Guys will be able to pick up another win.

Let’s Go Flyers!

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