Flyers Fall to Ottawa, Still Winless to Start Season

The bar was extremely low for the Philadelphia Flyers to play their best game of the season. On Thursday night in Ottawa, it was the first time they even came close to resembling the team they were down the stretch last season.

That said, surges of offensive pressure and shots on goal came in spurts, but not with near enough consistency. And when special teams became the focal point of a win-a-period, win-a-game final period, their abysmal power play took center stage again.

The Senators got the go-ahead power-play goal with 6:59 remaining in the third on the way to handing the Flyers a 2-1 loss on Thursday night at Canadian Tire Centre.

How It Happened

A better start for the Flyers in the first was quickly overshadowed by four straight penalties. While Ottawa was unable to score during the man-advantages, they did connect for a goal just after one of the penalties expired.

A point shot by Tyler Kleven was deflected by Nick Cousins and in for his first goal of the season to make it 1-0 at 10:14.

Through 20 minutes, the Flyers had an 11-8 lead in shots.

Nearing the halfway point of the second, the Flyers tied the game with their first power-play goal of the season. A shot by Trevor Zegras leaked through Linus Ullmark, and Matvei Michkov was there to put it home for his second goal of the season at 7:46.

Through two periods, shots were 22-17 Flyers.

The Flyers had a chance to get the lead in the third with extended power-play time that included a 27-second 5-on-3. They were unable to take advantage, and Ottawa struck on a power play of their own as the period started to wind down.

Carter Yakemchuk fired a blast past Joseph Woll to make it 2-1 with a power-play goal with 6:59 left in the third.

That was the difference, as the Flyers late push wasn't enough to beat Linus Ullmark and find the equalizer.

Box Score

1st Period

OTT Nick Cousins (1) (Tyler Kleven, Warren Foegele) 10:14

2nd Period

PHI Matvei Michkov (2) PP (Trevor Zegras, Travis Konecny) 7:46

3rd Period

OTT Carter Yakemchuk (1) PP (Claude Giroux, Shane Pinto) 13:01

By the Numbers

Shots: Flyers: 30, Senators: 26
Power Play: Flyers: 1-for-4, Senators: 1-for-5
Faceoffs: Flyers: 47.2%, Senators: 52.8%
Goalies: PHI Joseph Woll: 24 saves on 26 shots, OTT Linus Ullmark: 29 saves on 30 shots

Key Performers

⭐ Carter Yakemchuk — After Ottawa went 0-for-4 on the power play in the first period, Yakemchuk broke through for the eventual game-winning goal on their only other man-advantage for the remainder of the game. It also came after the Flyers had a brief 5-on-3 and extended power-play time.

⭐⭐ Matvei Michkov — The 21-year-old now has two of the team's six goals on the season, this time staying with the play and jumping on a loose puck in the crease.

⭐⭐⭐ Linus Ullmark — The Flyers finally were on the right end of the shot totals, taking a season-high 30 shots. But Linus Ullmark was excellent as well, making 29 saves on the way to his third win of the season.

The Takeaway

It was better. A lot better. But in the end, making improvements in the process didn't amount to scoring more than one goal...again. And when the third-period power play provided the opportunity to get in front in the game, it didn't come through...again.

At least the Flyers were connecting on more passes, making better breakouts, and had their highest shot total of the season. There are plenty of things that are a step in the right direction. But you can sense the team is desperate to just get a win and the weight is starting to get heavy. Now at 0-3-2, the road will not get easier with a weekend back-to-back against Boston and Carolina.

It's going to take another level to get completely out of this slump to start the season. And at least the Flyers looked more competent in this one. Which only makes the loss hurt more. They played to a better result and didn't get it.