Erik Gustafsson

Flyers Look Foolish A Year Removed From Trading Vezina Finalist Sergei Bobrovsky

May 8, 2013

Since dealing two of the franchise's most prominent stars of the 2000's, Mike Richards and Jeff Carter, it seems the Philadelphia fan base has surgically dissected every single move made by the Flyers front office.

The two most scrutinized moves in the past two years though are the dealings of young stars James van Riemsdyk and Sergei Bobrovsky. To be fair, the former was an even trade that benefited both the Flyers, who got Luke Schenn, and the Maple Leafs, who landed the scorer in van Riemsdyk.

As for the latter, Bobrovsky was traded this past offseason to the Columbus Blue Jackets where he won the starting job over now-current Flyers back-up goaltender Steve Mason. After turning the Blue Jackets around and nearly making the post season, Bobrovsky is a finalist for the Vezina Trophy, awarded to the league's best goaltender.

(Pictured: Serge Bobrovsky against the Stars on April 25, 2013. Photo by Glenn James/NHLI via Getty Images)

Lauridsen Standing Tall Among Young Flyers Defensemen

April 26, 2013

John Russo

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There are a handful of Flyers rookies who are looking to stand-out for Peter Laviolette as he starts to think about his blue line for next season.

For one, that may not necessarily be a difficult task.

Oliver Lauridsen is lucky he's a 6'6" mammoth of a man. Calling himself the "Great Dane" on Twitter, Lauridsen has been impressive for the Flyers in the 14 games he's played for Philadelphia so far.

Last night was just another example of what he brings to the table and it's certainly helping his cause.

With 6:31 left in the game, Lauridsen's screamer of a slap shot beat the Islanders' Kevin Poulin to give the Flyers a 2-1 lead and eventual victory. It was the second straight game in which Lauridsen scored a goal, both being credited as game-winners.

(Photo by John Russo/The Checking Line)

Couturier's Role Increasing As Season Winds Down

April 17, 2013

Alicia Sprenkle

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With a horrible season coming to a close, it's time to count the positives

The easiest way to feel positive about things in the present for the Flyers is to relate them to the future. And the best way to do that is to take a look at the youth.

We are seeing Oliver Lauridsen and Erik Gustafsson get playing time, the Schenn's (Older brother Luke and younger brother Brayden) are both standing out in a good way, and Sean Couturier is taking advantage of increased ice time.

Couturier, specifically, is fantastic news. He went from a dazzling rookie to a player in a serious sophomore slump.

(Photo by John Russo/The Checking Line)

Flyers Making Due With "Patchwork Defense"

April 17, 2013

John Russo

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“Patchwork” may not be the nicest word to use to describe Philadelphia’s defensive situation right now, but it is the most appropriate.

After last night’s 4-2 win at home over division rival New York, Flyers head coach Peter Laviolette was asked a question that was worded in a way which Laviolette had to point out.

"They probably wouldn’t like to be called that, if I was guessing," Laviolette said when asked about his “patchwork defense,” drawing some laughs from the reporters after the game.

He was quick to follow with praise for some of the guys stepping in at the most desperate of times.

(Pictured: Kimmo Timonen (left) and Luke Schenn (right) during warm-ups. Photo by John Russo/The Checking Line)

Mason Steals Show in Philly; Shuts Down Rangers

April 16, 2013

John Russo

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It's not often the Flyers play against Henrik Lundqvist and say that the goaltending was the difference-maker in a victory over New York.

Steve Mason was lights-out despite his team's poor offensive showing. His effort enabled the Flyers to steal a 4-2 win from the Rangers despite being out-played for much of the game.

Mason faced 40 shots, stopping 38 in the win. The Flyers got only 22 on net the entire game, leaving Mason to do all the work and steal a much-needed win from the Rangers.

(Pictured: Steve Mason during warmups. Photo by John Russo/The Checking Line - Flyers Edition)

Hartnell's Hat Trick, Three-Point Nights for Giroux, Voracek Lead Flyers

April 15, 2013

John Russo

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The Flyers offense woke up in a big way, but it may have been little too late.

With playoffs well out of reach, the Flyers exploded out of their four-game losing skid and scoring funk to beat the Canadiens, 7-3, Monday night.

The Flyers have had a problem with scoring lately but they shook that off early. Just over two minutes into the game, Wayne Simmonds created a scoring chance to put the Flyers up 1-0.

Simmonds followed his own rebound with another shot on net. The puck was then deflected in off the stick of Sean Couturier to get past Carey Price to put the Flyers on the board first.

(Pictured: Scott Hartnell scores in the 2nd period. AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Paul Chiasson)

Isles Stomp Flyers In 4th Consecutive Home Victory

April 10, 2013

T.J. Weber

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The New York Islanders extended their best home-winning streak this season to 4 on Tuesday night by defeating the Philadelphia Flyers 4-1. The Isles, who are now 7-1-1 in their last 9 games, are now tied for 6th place in the Eastern Conference at 44 points with the Ottawa Senators.

After Michael Grabner scored the go-ahead goal towards the end the of second period, the Isles held their composure in another stellar third period effort to come out on top of the Atlantic Division's bottom club. (Photo Credit: IslesPunkFan/Flickr)

Flyers Hang On to Beat Leafs

April 4, 2013

John Russo

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The Flyers have officially gone streaking.

Playing the latter of a grueling back-to-back, the Flyers overcame a late surge by a good Toronto Maple Leafs team, holding on to win 5-3 Thursday night. It was their fourth straight win and earned them two huge points in the standings.

Sean Couturier had a fantastic game. He was all over the ice, notching a pair of assists and seemingly looked like he was always out there despite playing just over 13 minutes.

(Pictured: Kimmo Timonen and Sean Couturier take out Mikhail Grabovski in the 2nd period. AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Nathan Denette)

Gustafsson, Simmonds Spark Flyers' Third Consecutive Win

April 3, 2013

Jordan Kuhns

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Erik Gustafsson's game winning goal drove the Flyers to a second straight comeback win over the Montreal Canadiens 5-3 on Wednesday night at the Wells Fargo Center. It was their third win in a row—the first three-game winning streak of the season.

This contest meant plenty to both sides. For the Flyers, it meant drawing closer to the eighth playoff spot. For the Canadiens, it meant staying ahead of the struggling Boston Bruins in the Northeast Division.