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5 Observations from Philadelphia Flyers 8-2 loss to San Jose Sharks

By Justin Bonner

PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 09: Kevin Labanc #62 of the San Jose Sharks lines up to take a shot past Robert Hagg #8 of the Philadelphia Flyers at the Wells Fargo Center on October 9, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 09: Kevin Labanc #62 of the San Jose Sharks lines up to take a shot past Robert Hagg #8 of the Philadelphia Flyers at the Wells Fargo Center on October 9, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images)
(Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images) /

Rough night for Elliot

Despite getting peppered early and often in this game, Brian Elliot actually made some very timely saves, keeping the Flyers within striking distance on several occasions. The first goal from Couture appeared to be a weak one, as Couture slid the puck through Elliot’s five-hole to open the scoring.

At that point, it appeared as though it was going to be one of those nights for Flyer goaltenders, and while the night overall was not a successful one, it really doesn’t fall completely at Elliot’s feet. In fact, it’s actually fair to wonder what the score might have been without Elliot in net.

Sure, the first goal, and even the second one to an extent, appeared to be goals that Elliot could have prevented. Perhaps it’s a different game if he makes the first stop on Couture and doesn’t give up a fat rebound on the Pavelski goal, but there were eight goals scored against the Flyers in this game. The players in front of Elliot did nothing to help him, and they echoed that sentiment in the locker room after the game.

Elliot got absolutely zero help on the final two goals of the first period, as Sharks players made a home in the crease, stuffing shot attempt after shot attempt into Elliot’s pads. And while Elliot did appear to struggle with rebound control on a few saves, he was still hung out to dry. The Flyers just could not clear the porch, and Elliot was under siege because of it.

On a related noted, It was interesting to see Dave Hakstol elect to keep his starting netminder in the game, as some expected that the head coach might go with Calvin Pickard in the second. This is most likely due to Pickard probably getting the nod in goal against Ottawa on Wednesday night, and Hakstol wanting to have his starter fresh for that game. It basically meant punting the Sharks game, but it was a calculated move that hopefully doesn’t mess too much with Elliot’s psyche.

It’s worth noting that Elliot was the Flyers workhorse last season before sustaining an injury that caused him to miss a good portion of the season. Elliot does need the work, but Hakstol would be smart to play it safe with him right now, and I’m not sure keeping him in the game with the team down big was the best move.

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