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Flyers keep the streak alive, beat the Blue Jackets 2-1

Anthony Mazziotti|

I cannot believe the high that the city of Philadelphia is on. On Thursday alone, the Phillies won their game against the University of Tampa, the Sixers beat the Bulls in the final seconds, and the Flyers topped the Blue Jackets to cut the distance between the first seed in the Metropolitan Division to one point. WOOOOOOOOO!

The Flyers started their game against the Blue Jackets much like every other game, despite their best effort they couldn’t find a way to solve Sergei Bobrovsky. Petr Mrazek appeared as advertised and kept the game tied at the end of one period.

The Blue Jackets took the lead in the second period when Ivan Provorov turned the puck over to Artemi Panarin. Panarin beat Mrazek for the Blue Jackets’ lone goal. That play aside Mrazek played outstanding, stopping 19 of 20 shots.

The Flyers’ offense found a way to get the puck past Bob in the third period. Claude Giroux notched his 21st goal of the season to tie the game.

With about ten minutes left in regulation the Flyers found themselves on a power play. For the first time all game, the Flyers’ power play unit found a way to get the puck past Bobrovsky. Nolan Patrick, Wayne Simmonds’ replacement, looked at home in front of the net and potted his third goal in as many games, and it was his fourth consecutive game with a point.

The Orange and Black held the 2-1 lead until the final buzzer, bringing their point total now to 74.

With this knowledge I’ll give four takeaways:

1. Petr Mrazek, the GOAT.

As you may or may not be aware, the Flyers award their player of the night with a Ric Flair robe. In his first game in Orange and Black Mrazek was given the robe to wear.

He played outstanding Thursday, rocking a .950 save percentage. I know it’s only his first game in Philly, but if he can keep playing like this I wouldn’t be shocked if Hextall signed him to an extension rather quickly, he is only 26 after all.

I feel very confident with any combination of Brian Elliott, Petr Mrazek, and Alex Lyon leading this team into the playoffs.

2. Power play?

The Flyers’ power play, with the exception of the last one, was abysmal. They finished one-for-five on the night. This is something that needs to improve.

On the bright side, Patrick is a weapon on that top PP unit. I know it’s only temporary, but he looks great in Simmonds’ place.

3. TK Watch.

Travis Konecny warmed up with the team but did not play in Thursday night’s game. His foot must still be bothering him. Hopefully he will be good to play on Saturday or Monday at the latest. If he needs the extra rest it’s not a problem, the team is in good position as it stands.

4. Will we see Travis Sanheim in Philly soon?

Quick answer: maybe. Brandon Manning left the ice in the third period and didn’t return.

The Flyers currently have Mark Alt on the roster but have been healthy scratching him. If Manning were to miss an extended period of time you would think Hextall would recall Sanheim and keep Alt as the seventh defenseman.

Also, keep this in mind:

I thought that was pretty funny.

The Flyers return to action on Saturday in Ottawa to take on the Senators. It’s a phenomenal time to be a Philly sports fan, here’s hoping the point streak stays alive.

 

You can follow Anthony Mazziotti on Twitter (@AntMazziotti) and e-mail him at [email protected].

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