Philadelphia Flyers Archives

On October 25, 2023

In Game Analysis

(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

Frustration is a huge part of hockey. No matter how well a team is playing, there will come points in every season where a game just does not seem to be going the right way. The Golden Knights faced that last night as they fell behind the Philadelphia Flyers and couldn’t seem to find their way back.

At the end of the 2nd period, Vegas had attempted 43 shots yet only 15 made it to the goalie. They were struggling to navigate a gummed-up neutral zone, and the Flyers’ physical brand of hockey was forcing a much tighter game than the Golden Knights had been used to early this season.

However, these Golden Knights aren’t like most teams in the NHL. As reigning Stanley Cup champions, they’ve seen it all, and a few tough periods will not discourage them.

We trust our game. Sometimes we get away from it but we are a veteran group and we’ve been together long enough that we know when to pull it in and get back to what we do best. We’ve done a good job of that these first seven games. -Brayden McNabb

3rd period dominance has been a theme as Vegas has raced out to the best start as a defending champion in NHL history. Last night, they made a few adjustments in the final intermission, came out, and started applying endless pressure on the Philadephia net until the dam eventually broke.

The 2-0 3rd period score ups VGK’s goal differential to +8 in the final frame over seven games. The Golden Knights have outscored their opponents in six of the first seven 3rd periods with the lone outlier a 1-1 tie against Dallas.

You just keep pushing and you believe you are going to come back even when you are down. We just trust it because there’s no crystal ball telling you what’s going to happen so you just have to do what we do best and it’s worked out so far. -McNabb

A huge reason why it has worked out is the variety of players Vegas has seen step up in the 3rd period of games. Brayden Pachal, Jonas Rondbjerg, Nic Roy, and now Paul Cotter have all scored late-game goals to help the Golden Knights win. Sure, Jack Eichel and William Karlsson have come up with a few big ones too, but it truly can be anyone on any night for this team.

Sometimes you need one guy to go in and make a move like that and it’s pretty on par with what he’s done in practice so it’s great to see him get it done. -Theodore on Cotter’s goal

The train keeps rolling on Friday afternoon with a rematch with the feisty Chicago Blackhawks. There may not be a crystal ball to tell us the outcome of that game, but if the Golden Knights keep playing like they have in the 3rd period, we may not need one to know.

VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS 3 PHILADELPHIA FLYERS 2 (7-0-0, 14 PTS)

On October 24, 2023

Recap: The Stanley Cup champions entered Tuesday night’s game 6-0-0 riding an historic unbeaten streak to start the season. Vegas’ Ivan Barbashev gave his team the early lead 6:54 into the contest. Later in the period, Philadelphia evened the score followed by the go-ahead goal at the 17:13 mark of the opening period.

Philadelphia heavily pressured Vegas in the first half of the period. Holding the Golden Knights without a for ten minutes. Jack Eichel had two great chances but goaltender Carey Hart preserved the Flyers 2-1 edge.

The Golden Knights had two man-advantages to start the final frame but the Flyers continued to frustrate the home team. Deep into the period Paul Cotter drove to the net and tied the game with a dazzling top-shelf shot. Shea Theodore scored the game-winning goal with :30 remaining in the game to keep VGK’s undefeated streak alive.

The Golden Knights record improves to 7-0-0 defeating the Flyers 3-2. Vegas will carry their unblemished record into Friday night’s game against the Chicago Blackhawks. Puck drop is scheduled for 3 PM. (Recap by Jason)

Analysis: It was a cagey affair with both teams battling hard for every inch of ice. There were plenty of scoring chances both ways but the puck just was not bouncing the right way for the Golden Knights. In the 3rd, they began one of their excellent pushes and put tons of pressure on the Flyers zone. Eventually, the dam cracked with a pair of goals and VGK continued the winning streak. (Analysis by Ken)

Upcoming stories from the Vegas Golden Knights vs. Philadelphia Flyers at T-Mobile Arena.

VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS 5 PHILADELPHIA FLYERS 3 (42-20-6, 90 PTS)

On March 14, 2023

Recap: Vegas was looking to end this difficult road trip by completing a four game win streak with a game in Philadelphia. Like they have in many games this trip, they got on the board early, with Pavel Dorofeyev scoring just under nine minutes into the contest.

VGK would add to that total early in the 2nd with a power play tip-in goal from Ivan Barbashev and then Teddy Blueger would get his first goal as a Golden Knight later in the frame. After 40 minutes, Vegas led 3-1.

In the 3rd, it appeared it would be smooth sailing as Jonathan Marchessault added another power play goal to extend the lead to three goals. Philly came storming back through notching two goals in about two minutes to cut the lead to one. But, Vegas held on and buried the empty netter to take home the victory.

The Golden Knights’ record improves to 42-20-6 with their 5-3 win in Philadelphia. Vegas will head home with 8 points in the bag and begin a short homestand against Calgary and Columbus. Puck drop against the Flames on Thursday is scheduled for 7 PM. (Recap by Ken)

Analysis: The Golden Knights continued doing what they have for most of this road trip. They got on the board first then defended by keeping the opposition to the outside. Anything that did get through Jonathan Quick was there to scoop up (for the most part). It’s a fairly comfortable win, aside from those few minutes it got close, that brings an end to an incredibly successful road trip. (Analysis by Ken)

Upcoming stories from the Vegas Golden Knights vs. Philadelphia Flyers at Wells Fargo Center.

Bum Slaying: VGK Gladly Collecting Points From League’s Worst

By Jason Pothier

On December 10, 2022

(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

At the end of the NHL regular season when teams are planning for the postseason or the golf course, it’s unlikely for the players, coaches and managers to huddle around and go over how they reached their fate. For losing clubs, it’s a quick clean out of their lockers and get out of dodge to their summer destinations. For the fortunate 16, they’re preparing for a potentially long run in the playoffs. However, for prognostication purposes, it is important to note how successful teams got to their ultimate goals.

After last night’s 2-1 OT victory over the hapless Philadelphia Flyers, Vegas extended their Western Conference best record to 41 points. It wasn’t the prettiest, but a win is a win when fighting for a seat in the playoffs.

When you break down how the Golden Knights picked up their points, you’ll notice that they’re taking care of business when facing lesser competitors. This is exactly what all playoff hopefuls do throughout a long 82-game regular season. Call it bum slaying, padding stats, or anything you’d like but those points are vital to any team fighting for the postseason.

Points from Non-Contenders: (22)

10/13: VGK 1 vs CHI 0
10/25: VGK 4 @ SJ 2
10/28: VGK 4 vs ANA 0
11/03: VGK 5 @ OTT 4
11/05: VGK 6 @ MTL 4
11/10: VGK 7 @ BUF 4
11/17: VGK 4 vs ARI 1
11/21: VGK 5 @ VAN 4
11/23: VGK 4 vs OTT 1
11/28: VGK 3 @ CBJ 2
12/03: VGK 4 @ DET 1
12/08: VGK 2 vs PHI 1

Now to be fair, the Golden Knights have not taken advantage of all low-level opponents. Vegas lost three times to inferior lineups, all occurring at T-Mobile Arena. For the most part, all three were uncompetitive and the Golden Knights lost by a total of eight goals. In the trio of games, the road team scored two or more goals that went unanswered by Vegas. It’s okay to have a stinker but several at home vs sub .500 teams are wasting VGK fans’ hard-earned money. Thankfully, Jonathan Marchessault didn’t let that happen again last night in OT.

Missed Points From Non-Contenders (6)

11/12: STL 3 @ VGK 2
11/15: SJ 5 @ VGK 2
11/26: VAN 5 @ VGK 1

For Vegas to keep up their 104-point pace they’ll need continue bullying inept franchises crashing for Connor Bedard. Half of the teams in the NHL have roster weaknesses and are capable of exposing on a nightly basis. Through 29 games, the Golden Knights have jumped on mistakes, ill-timed penalties, poor goaltending, and turnovers. It’s been the team’s identity all season under coach Bruce Cassidy. In addition to their 22 “bum slaying” points, Vegas will have 15 more opportunities against the league’s worst to cushion their conference and divisional lead.

Now of course the NHL is a professional league with incredibly skilled players. Even the worst organizations have the ability to defeat star-studded lineups. Just ask the Boston Bruins, who lost to the Arizona Coyotes last night in Arizona. That’ll wake up a team. Hopefully, not by Sunday evening.

VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS 2 PHILADELPHIA FLYERS 1 (20-8-1, 41 PTS) – OT

On December 9, 2022

Recap: The Golden Knights hosted the Philadelphia Flyers trying to get back on track after their 5-1 loss on Wednesday. Vegas jumped on the board first midway through the period. William Carrier scored his 9th goal of the season unassisted, giving the Golden Knights a 1-0 lead after the opening 20 minutes.

Philadelphia took advantage of an early turnover by Vegas goaltender Adin Hill. Hill got lost behind his net and inadvertently passed the puck to a wide-open Flyer for the game-tying goal. The Golden Knights had an opportunity to take the lead on a man advantage, but Philadelphia killed off the only penalty of the game. The game was locked in a 1-1 tie after two periods of action.

The final period was tight and neither team gave up many quality chances on net. Vegas drew a late power play but couldn’t convert the opportunity into a game-winning goal. After 60 minutes in regulation, the game needed overtime to decide a victor. Jonathan Marchessault eventually ended the game with his 12th goal of the season

The Golden Knights record improves to 20-8-1 defeating the Flyers 2-1 in OT. Vegas will next take the ice on Sunday evening for the second and final game of the Cassidy Cup. Puck drop against the Boston Bruins is scheduled for 5P PT at T-Mobile Arena. (Recap by Jason)

Analysis: A listless game that included two weird goals headed to OT where the Golden Knights needed someone to be a hero and Marchessault stepped up. VGK’s forecheck felt ineffective but they were good enough in the D zone and despite the error, Hill was strong enough to keep it to just the one goal. Not exactly the type of game VGK want to be playing, but they found a way to two points. (Recap by Ken)

Upcoming stories from the Vegas Golden Knights vs. Philadelphia Flyers at T-Mobile Arena.

Taking care of business

Ken’s Three VGK Stars

*** Jonathan Marchessault
** Jack Eichel
* William Carrier

"It wasn't the prettiest 60 minutes but good teams find a way to win." -Marchessault
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) December 10, 2022

VGK's best source of offense has been people tripping William Karlsson.
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) December 10, 2022

VGK dominating territorially to start the 3rd. But they need to start doing something with it.
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) December 10, 2022

Both Flyers And Tortorella Have Been Tough On VGK

On December 9, 2022

(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

Tonight the Golden Knights take on the Philadelphia Flyers at T-Mobile Arena. Sitting at 9-13-5 with a -24 goal differential and having scored the fewest goals in the Eastern Conference, on paper this looks like a great spot for the Golden Knights to get back on track at home.

VGK have been installed as nearly three to one favorites with a moneyline of -267. In fact, the game is essentially a toss-up on the puckline meaning the expectation is for the Golden Knights to not only win, but win by multiple goals.

This season, the Golden Knights have been strong when entering the game as heavy favorites at home. They’ve been -220 or more in games at T-Mobile Arena on six occasions and have won five of them. They’ve allowed one or fewer goals in four of those five wins while scoring at least four in four games as well.

However, the history of the opponent tells us this one might not be such a walk in the park for Vegas.

The Golden Knights are 3-5-0 all-time against the Philadelphia Flyers including losses in three of the last four. The last time Vegas defeated Philadelphia was nearly three years ago, on January 2nd, 2020. The home record is worse than away too. VGK are 1-3-0 against the Flyers in Vegas and have allowed four or five goals in each and every game.

To make matters worse, Vegas also struggle against Philadelphia’s new coach, John Tortorella. The Golden Knights are 2-4-0 against the fiery bench boss and have been shutout twice in those six games. Vegas averaged just 1.83 goals per game against Tortorella’s Blue Jackets teams over the three seasons the teams faced off between 2017-2020.

Plus, the Golden Knights will be without Alex Pietrangelo, Jack Eichel is a game-time decision, and backup Adin Hill gets the nod in goal.

There’s no doubt the Golden Knights are the better team in this matchup and if they put together anything resembling their best game they’ll win with ease. It won’t be easy though despite the Flyers’ rough start to the season. The Golden Knights could really use this one too, because an angry Bruins team is up next.

Bruce Cassidy Not The Only Coach Frustrated With Preseason Defeats

By Jason Pothier

On October 3, 2022

(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

This weekend the Golden Knights had their worst outing of the preseason. Vegas lost 7-3 to the San Jose Sharks and their head coach was not happy with their effort.

It’s an attention-getter. You’ve played your games you’ve been at Training Camp, we’re not nearly where we need to be so we’ve got to get the hell back to work the next time we reconvene. That to me is the message that will be sent when we get back together. -Bruce Cassidy

In most cases, exhibition games are considered tune-ups and extended tryouts for prospects. However, with the brief time Bruce Cassidy has had with his new club, every shift counts. With only eight days before Vegas opens the 2022-23 season, it’s vital the Golden Knights continue to learn and execute their leader’s instructions.

After three preseason contests Vegas looked as if they had absorbed their coach’s new defensive look. On Friday night it fell apart. So of course Cassidy was frustrated with the results. This weekend, the Golden Knights coach wasn’t the only one to voice his concerns after lopsided defeats.

Tonight, a lot of the pressure in our D-zone we couldn’t handle it. We couldn’t handle their speed. Consequently they get the opportunities. We’re going to get better but it’s just not happening as quickly as I’d like it to be. -Bruce Boudreau, Canucks coach

After a 4-0 shutout, Pittsburgh coach Mike Sullivan told the media he was reluctant to talk about his team’s effort. In Pennsylvania’s other metropolis, Flyers bench boss John Tortorella was focused on his player’s confidence. In St. Louis, coach Craig Berube was at a loss for words.

Not enough. We didn’t do enough all around. It wasn’t a very good game. We should’ve played better for them, it was a great crowd.-Craig Berube, Blues coach

This very well could be a ploy from Cassidy and other veteran coaches to get their players’ mentally before regular season action. If you ignore the score, there were several positives to take away from Vegas’ fourth exhibition game. Offensively, Jack Eichel looks dangerous and heathy, while Mark Stone flashed his play-making abilities in his return, and Paul Cotter continued his seemingly undeniable run at a roster spot.

Also, it should be noted that Jake Leschyshyn dropped gloves and defended himself after landing a clean but hard hit on a Sharks player. That’s the character and culture stuff that un-frustrates Cassidy and other coaches.

PHILADELPHIA FLYERS 2 VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS 1 (32-22-4 68 PTS)

On March 8, 2022

Recap: The Golden Knights got off to a rough start in Philadelphia. Robin Lehner struggled to find the puck allowing two goals in eight 1st period shots. After the opening 20 minutes the Flyers held a 2-0 advantage.

After going 0-2 on the power play in the 1st period the Golden Knights settled down on their third man-advantage. Evgenii Dadonov tallied his first goal in 17 games to cut the lead in half. Vegas trailed 2-1 heading into the 2nd intermission.

The Golden Knights continued to fire shots on net in the final period. Vegas was awarded a late game power play but couldn’t score tying goal.

The Golden Knights record drops to 32-22-4 falling 2-1 to the Flyers. Vegas continues their road trip with a stop in Upstate New York on Thursday. Puck drop for Jack Eichel’s return to Buffalo is set for 4 PM PT. (Recap by Jason)

Analysis: Well, we’ve seen this story before. Vegas plays against a team that plays simple compact hockey and refuses to give away transition chances and the Golden Knights can’t find a way to break them down. A single goal that came on the power play isn’t enough for a team that has this much offensive talent. (Recap by Ken)

Listen to our postgame Twitter Space vent session with plenty of “calls” from fans.

You asked for it… https://t.co/6XeZc11zLJ
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) March 9, 2022

Upcoming stories from the Vegas Golden Knights vs. Philadelphia Flyers at Wells Fargo Center.

PHILADELPHIA FLYERS 4 VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS 3 (15-11-0 30 PTS)

On December 10, 2021