Philadelphia Flyers: Flyers Shutout Avalanche behind Simmonds’ two goals
By Larry Henry
The Philadelphia Flyers bounced back after consecutive losses by defeating the Colorado Avalanche 4-0 on Tuesday at the Wells Fargo Center.
Dave Hakstol‘s men needed a win for morale after suffering losses to Washington and Pittsburgh respectively last week. on Tuesday, the Flyers welcomed the Colorado Avalanche to town who had only won once out of their last four games.
Wayne Simmonds short-handed tally a little over four minutes in had the Flyers up 1-0. Defenseman Andrew MacDonald was credited with the assist. Simmonds doubled his tally and his team’s lead eight minutes into the opening period by scoring, this time on a Flyers power-play. Assists from Shayne Gostisbehere and Claude Giroux saw the Flyers ahead 2-0 before adding to their lead once again not long after.
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Jakub Voracek‘s power-play goal with 9:25 remaining in the first period had the Flyers up 3-0 and looking dangerous to score more. Jordan Weal added a fourth goal for the team, with 12:44 remaining in the second period to make it 4-0 for the Flyers. It was the forward’s first NHL goal and point, after he redirected Radko Gudas‘ point shot. Gudas and Mark Streit were credited with the helpers on the Weal tally.
Goaltender Steve Mason started his first game on Tuesday after sitting the last six behind Michal Neuvirth. Mason was good, making 33 saves, including a penalty shot, in which was his first win since January 25th.
Despite being out-shot 33-to-26 by Colorado, the Flyers’ dominant first period was all they needed to earn an important two points at home.
Against a dismal power-play in Colorado, the Flyers were strong going 4-4 on the penalty kill against the league’s 29th best unit. The Flyers were 2-for-3 on the power-play, with Giroux adding two assists. Offensively, the Flyers needed a game like this to help build some momentum and get back into a groove in front of goal.
Following the game, Flyers head coach Dave Hakstol commented on Mason’s strong performance in an interview with CSN Philly. “He was really good, despite it being 4-0, they (Colorado) had some good opportunities in front of goal, and he faced a good workload tonight.”
A win like that should do wonders not only for the team, but for Mason’s confidence. He has struggled to get game-time, but thanks to constant practice he stole the show on Tuesday.
“It’s been a tough month, and with no game action it makes practice that much more tedious. The boys gave me some great early support and it helped”, said Mason following the game.
Next: Philadelphia Flyers: Radical changes to fix the scoring woes
The Flyers next welcome the Florida Panthers to the Wells Fargo Center on Thursday. Following that, they head on a four-game road trip starting Saturday in Washington.