Caleb Weiler
After a great win in the season opener against the San Jose Sharks, the Philadelphia Flyers fell flat against the Los Angeles Kings in a 2-0 loss on Thursday night.
The Flyers iced the same lineup as they did the previous night in San Jose, with the exception of Travis Sanheim getting his first official taste of an NHL game. He got his chance to make an impact but unfortunately did make some rookie mistakes which led to the Kings win.
The Flyers were unable to get anything going on the offensive side of the puck, going 0-5 on the power play, despite outshooting the Kings 33-27.
The Kings capitalized on their chances scoring on a quick strike, taking advantage of the rookie Sanheim, to go up 1-0 6:16 into the first period. There was no scoring in the second period and the Kings were able to seal the game with a goal by Tyler Toffoli with 2:21 to go in the game.
Throughout the entire game, Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick gave the Flyers fits as he was as stingy as ever. Quick, who missed almost 80% of last year, looked to get on the right track to start this season and he did exactly that. The Flyers were unable to find an answer to Quick who got the 45th shutout of his career tonight, which places him in first for American born goalies all time for shutouts.
The Flyers will look to get back on track as they round out their California trip Saturday against the Anaheim Ducks who are currently dealing with a glutton of injuries. The Flyers play another game against the Predators next Tuesday before coming home to play the Capitals that Saturday. If the Flyers want to get a head start on their positioning in the division they are going to look to get three out of the possible four points to end this road trip.
A good sign from this game is that the Flyers never gave up, out playing the Kings in the third period, despite not being able to even the game up. In addition to that the Flyers finally have a fourth line, compromised of Scott Laughton, Michael Raffl and Taylor Leier who are giving other teams fits with their speed and hockey IQ. Also, Michael Neuvirth looked phenomenal tonight stoning Anze Kopitar early in this game and even though the Flyers lost he did post a save percentage of .926 saving 25 of 27 shots he faced.
Final Notes: The Penguins were slaughtered by the Blackhawks tonight 10-1 which still leaves the Flyers in first place in Metro, tied with the Capitals who won 5-4 in overtime led by their captain Alex Ovechkin with a season opening hat trick. The Rangers also lost their opening night game 4-2 against the lowly Colorado Avalanche.
“Highlights” below … if you dare.
You can follow Caleb Weiler on Twitter (@TheBitter_Caleb) and e-mail him at [email protected]. Follow Philly Influencer on Twitter (@PHL_Influencer), Facebook and Instagram.