Flyers start 0-2 for first time since '08
Daily News Flyers blog
Flyers start 0-2 for first time since '08
Frank Seravalli
BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Five percent of the Flyers' season is gone, and they've yet to register a point in the standings. That's the unfortunate reality of the NHL's shortened, 48-game season.
Almost all of the Flyers' troubles on their opening weekend could be attributed to shoddy special teams play. Buffalo scored separate power play and shorthanded goals over the final 6 minutes to break a 2-2 tie, dropping the Flyers, 5-2, in their home-opener at the First Niagara Center.
The Flyers were back on the ice early Sunday for their second nationally-televised game of the weekend, less than 20 hours after going 0-for-5 on the power play while allowing 2-of-3 power play goals against Pittsburgh on Saturday.
The Flyers are now 20-14-11 all-time in their first road contest of a season.
This is the Flyers' first 0-2-0 start to the season since 2008. In fact, it took them nearly 85 minutes of play to gain their first lead of the season, which Claude Giroux did with a top-shelf, power play snipe in the second period.
That lead lasted just 10:57, before Thomas Vanek matched for Buffalo with his own man-advantage tally.
Defenseman Tyler Myers broke a 2-2 tie with 5:03 left in the third period. Newly-acquired defenseman Luke Schenn was in the box for two of Buffalo's three power play goals. Cody Hodgson added an insurance goal for the Sabres and Vanek iced it with an empty-netter.
The Flyers closed their first weeked just 4-for-9 on the penalty kill and 1-for-9 on the power play.
SLAP SHOTS: Forward Zac Rinaldo left the game midway through the first period with a “lower-body” injury and did not return. NBC’s Pierre McGuire reported on-air that Rinaldo was cut my a skate. The Flyers are expected to provide more information post-game ... Former Flyer Ville Leino missed the game with a right hip injury ... Moorestown, N.J., native T.J. Brennan was a healthy scratch for Buffalo. The Sabres do not want to risk sending Brennan, 23, back to AHL Rochester through waivers for risk he’ll be claimed ... The Sabres were also missing perennial thorn Nathan Gerbe, who is still recovering from back surgery.
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Apparently, all philly fans are whiners, complaining about the refs, how about 8 goals against, 3 goals for in two games how about whining about that! Pelti you're just a whiner like all the rest— Soul child2013- Don't throw this Flyer squad under the bus just yet. Two legitimate goals by the Flyers were disallowed tonight and the Sabres were clearly more rested in period 3. Bryz was perfeclty okay, but the PK unit totally messed it up again today. Also, apart from G again there was no scoring touch in them. Yes, Simmods received a lot of deserved praise from the NBC commentators, yet he has missed on a number of juicy scoring chances so far. Disappointed in Luke Schenn so far.— flyerdommo
- Anyone blaming goaltending has no idea how to dissect and analyze this sport. Bryzgalov was the only reason that this game was not a complete embarrassment. Same issues as last season, but they have significantly less skill this year. All of you Carle bashers need to watch the slow, laborious defence try to slug themselves out of their own zone. Simmonds had the best season he will ever have, last year. The guy who misses open nets, and tries to pass to guys that are completely covered...that is Simmonds. A very hard worker, and a great third line player.
Speaking of third line players.....it is Brayden Schenn time yet again. He needs to accept his fate as a role player in this league. He is a third line winger. Period. Remember when he was in the AHL and touted as the best player not in the AHL. Well, not he looks like the best AHL blayer currently in the NHL. Not skilled enough to be a top six forward, and not working hard enough to be a grinder.
This team will very likely miss the playoffs. And it will happen in spite of the great goaltending they are currently getting..— Hexy4GM - EVERYBODY PANIC!!!!!!!!!!!!! Gotta love how Philly fans bail on their team the first chance they get. What a joke.— Stephen45
- Right, because 10 people are surely representative of all Philly sports fans. Dolt. — Jabey
- You're right, i meant to say, Gotta love how "some"... Although maybe you should reread these posts, cause it's more like 70 outta 100 posters are ready to write this team off. I'd guess the negativity stems from our title droughts, people get real tired of all the false hopes year after year and i get that, but whats the point of being a fan if you're ready to bail on your team after 2 freakin games. Talk about a "Dolt". — Stephen45
- Bryz played amazing, I am not sure what the rest of you are watching.. When the D is non-existent, you can't blame the goalie for deflected shots and rebounds, and/or breakaways... Almost all the goals scored against him were when the Flyers were short. They need to get in shape and fast!— RJP
- Bryz looked awesome on that Vanek goal. Seriously, how can anyone defend him at this point. He makes routine saves look spectacular. Absolutely zero technique and no athleticism.
— Mike Boryla - No scoring!! You look at this roster and you say who are these guys? Then watching NHL Network highlights this morning all you heard was ex Flyers doing well. This team makes the playoffs it will be one and done. Waited until January or this !!! Holmgren needs to go!!!— slade1955
- F all the haters! The refs stunk...the Schenns stunk....period!— Phillyfan666
- No comment.— FlyersLosersFor38Years
- It's almost time for pitcher's, catchers and the 25 million dollar BLIMP at first base who can't hit a curve ball.— Duck2late
- or anything else — dmn
- I told you guys before the season started this is a 1970's defense...slow and big...that wont work in current NHL..you need D men who are fast..can handle puck and move puck out of the ZONE...anyone left who wants to argue the point that not 1 Flyer defenseman could make it in the top 5 D men on the Rangers..and like I told you everyone saying what great young guns we have well like I said this team will struggle for offense these youngs guys are not there yet and who knows if they ever will be..add that to the fact that I told you guys like Hartnell..Simmonds..Talbot..Read all had career years last year not to be repeated...I will stay with my prediction it will be a challenge for the Flyers to make the playoffs...and this after 2 decent games by BRYZ— flyers1000
- Flyers1000 - that was very well said, you should take the job of the team beat writers. — Repubrebirth
