The Philadelphia Flyers returned to the Wells Fargo Center to take on the Columbus Blue Jackets, and fans were hoping that being on home ice would turn things around after a terrible stretch of games. What they got instead was a 2-0 lead for a good portion of the game that resulted in a shootout loss for the Fly Guys. What can be taken away from this unbelievable choking display?
Travis Konecny Is An All-Star For a Reason
To the surprise of no one, Travis Konecny was selected as the Flyers' representative for the 2024 All-Star Game, and he made sure everyone knew why he's now a two-time All-Star. Not only did he have a phenomenal night, getting on the scoresheet twice, but fans also learned that he's put his recent run of striking performances while battling a host of ailments.
During the Flyers' road trip, Konecny was apparently battling pain in both his upper and lower body, along with a bout of illness. Nevertheless, he pushed through and shined whenever he was on the ice. John Tortorella might not do the whole "captain" thing, but there's no doubt that Konecny is a leader in this Flyers team.
Keep Joel Farabee Exactly Where He Is
The difference between Joel Farabee's game before and after being put on a line with Travis Konecny and Sean Couturier is like night and day. He's gotten a couple of assists since officially being put on that line, but numbers aside, his confidence has grown exponentially. He's skating freer and more aggressively. He's able to find passes everywhere he looks. He's shooting more on goal, and his shots are dangerous.
The Farabee that's been on the ice these past few games is the Farabee that the Flyers have been wanting him to be since he was drafted in 2018. To see him really fulfilling that potential is truly a wonderful thing.
The Penalty Kill is Looking Good Again. The Power Play is Still Looking Awful.
The Flyers' penalty kill has dropped off a bit as of late, but it looked more like the penalty kill they became known for in the first couple months of the season. While that's a sigh of relief, the power play is still abysmal. Some inexplicable force is preventing the Flyers from scoring when they have the man advantage, and it's just not acceptable from a team trying to hold on to a playoff position.
The Flyers' next matchup will come at home against the Calgary Flames on Jan. 6 at 1:00 pm EST.