After coming off of a 6-0 win over division rival, Columbus Blue Jackets, and playing their final game at home before traveling, you would think the Flyers would have a strong start to this game well… a slow start from the Flyers gifted the Lightning an early first period goal, putting the Flyers down 1-0. The Flyers managed only 2 shots on net through the first 4 minutes of power play time. The team looked flat and lacked enthusiasm from the jump. The Flyers gained some momentum with a 2 on 0, but came up short as Vasilevskiy made an outstanding save to keep the Flyers at zero. Despite the stellar net minding from Vasilevskiy, the rest of the Lightning team was sloppy with their passing. This poor puck control gave the Flyers a number of chances which they could not capitalize on in the first. The game started chippy and would continue to progress throughout, from after the whistle checks to crosschecks to the head. The first period would end with the Flyers trailing 1-0. Despite trailing the Flyers would out shot the Lightning 9-3.
Vasilevskiy and Johnson keep the Flyers off the board. pic.twitter.com/0oTW9GUBEP
— joe (@joeypierogies) March 8, 2016
The Flyers continued getting chances, however Vasilevskiy had the answer to everything the Flyers were throwing at him; He did not give up any rebounds to give the Flyers a second chance. This seams to be a pattern with opposing goaltenders, they seem to bring their A game when they play the Flyers. I looked as though the Flyers would never break though and score until Shayne Gostisbehere scored to tie the game at 1. The goal would be reviewed, but confirmed that it was a good goal. This was Ghost’s 13th goal of the season tying a franchise record for most goals scored by a rookie defenseman in a season. The next play after the Flyers would strike the post but the puck stayed out. The Flyers would end the second period with a season high for shots in a single period with 21. Every dressed skater on the Flyers roster had a shot except Streit and White.
After a period of pounding away, Ghost puts it home to tie it. pic.twitter.com/RGRpy0Evt5
— joe (@joeypierogies) March 8, 2016
In the third period, Gostisbehere would strike again putting giving him the Flyers record for most goals scored by rookie defenseman. This goal also gave the Flyers a 2-1 lead but the scoring wouldn’t stop there, Schenn would put the Flyers up by two. The lead would be cut to one in under a minute as Namestnikov would score for the Lightning. Tampa Bay was forced to pull the goalie for the extra attacker, which resulted in Wayne Simmonds scoring for the Flyers. This leaves the Flyers 2 points out of a playoff spot with their next game being Friday in Tampa Bay.
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