After a worrying five-game losing streak, the Flyers got back in the win column against the Panthers.
After a worrying five-game losing streak, the Flyers got back in the win column against the Panthers.
In their first game back from the All-Star break, the Flyers traveled down south to face off against the Florida Panthers. The first period looked like they were reverting back to their old bad habits, but a drastic improvement across the second and third periods paid off as they knocked off one of the hottest teams in hockey 2-1. Here's what they can take away on the plane back to Philadelphia.
Travis Konecny Is Back, Baby!
He might've been the Flyers' sole All-Star representative this year, but Konecny was experiencing a frustrating slump going into the break. His offensive production had screeched to an abrupt halt, causing some concern for who is usually the Flyers' best player. Against the Panthers, though, he definitely look to get his spark back. A beautiful goal and a classic TK yapping-and-shoving match are all the evidence you need that Konecny is getting out of his funk.
Honorable mention to Noah Cates' goal, which he was finally able to net after coming back from a broken foot.
Sam Ersson Stepped Up
Although he certainly wasn't solely to blame for the Flyers' troubles during their five-game losing streak, Ersson looked to be struggling a bit under the No. 1 goalie responsibilities. To his credit, though, he looked excellent against the Panthers. Ersson was a huge reason the Flyers stayed in the game after going 1-0 down in the first period, making crucial save after crucial save and staying calm and collected in the face of a relentless Panthers attack. The fact that he only allowed a single goal against one of the best teams in the league currently is seriously impressive, and looks like he's really starting to settle in as the No. 1 netminder.
There Looks to Be a Major Mentality Shift
One of the biggest problems the Flyers faced during their losing streak was that they seemed to deflate once they went down, and other teams were able to take advantage of it and score even more on them. Despite the Panthers getting on the board, the Flyers were able to make the necessary changes in the subsequent periods and came out on top. They didn't panic, they didn't hang their heads, and they kept pushing against a tough Panthers team. If they can keep this up, there's really no team that they can't beat.
The Flyers will travel back home to face off against the Winnipeg Jets on Feb. 8 at 7 pm EST.
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