Where to begin. In something resembling an NHL All Star Game for the first two periods, the Flyers and Lightning combined for 14 goals. After nine in the first and five in the second, the scoring ground to a halt in the third, but not before Tampa Bay rammed home the game winner.
Let's start with the plusses. If you were at the game, at least you got your money's worth. Seriously, how often are you going to see something like that? It's always a shame when the good guys come out on the wrong end of the final score, but as the goals piled up, all you could really do was shake your head and chuckle regardless of what color jersey it was.
I won't even attempt to recap all the action, which I couldn't possibly do justice. Instead, a few talking points from the game.
Was starting Bobrovsky the correct decision? As was discussed in some detail prior to the puck drop, this was his twelfth consecutive start, and while he mostly declared himself good to go, there was mention of Bob admitting to a Russian reporter he was tired.
Of course, you could argue pulling him wasn't the right move either. Boucher allowed four goals himself, and looked shaky at times. Or, in retrospect, maybe it didn't matter at all. It sure felt like that was just the way things were going to go down tonight, regardless of who started or finished in net.
What was with the Flyers' power play? Looked shaky tonight. Didn't seem to generate many serious scoring opportunities, much less pressure the defense. Passing wasn't crisp, and they struggled to keep it in the zone. Disappointing night on that end, especially when one considers the final score.
How do you put this game into context? Is a contest in which eight goals are scored on your defense a cause for concern over the long haul, or should we be excited about the Flyers scoring seven and fighting until the very last instant? They almost tied this thing up while shorthanded several times, and it sure started to feel like something was about to sneak through there.
Of course, they also blew a total of three two-goal leads, including the three unanswered goals that decided the game.
Strange game. Chippy, too. There were some after-the-play shenanigans, with Steve Downie in particular getting involved in a few post-whistle altercations. No fights however. I have a feeling that will change the next time these clubs meet though. Mark February 1 on your calendars, as the playoff race will be heating up, and these two get another shot at one another.
Photo by Len Redkoles / Getty Images
Original Story:
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/The700...
