Matt Read

Read, Lauridsen Score Thanks to Lucky Bounces

April 24, 2013

For most of the 2013 season it seemed the bounces just weren't go the Flyers' way.

Bad bounces led to opponents' goals while they stayed out of the nets when the Flyers were on the offensive. Along with a complicated mixture of other factors, it kept the Flyers out of the post season for just the second time in the last 18 years.

That luck would finally change for the Flyers when it didn't really matter, but it felt good anyway.

In a 60-minute game for the Flyers, a minuscule seven-second window produced two goals which lead to the Flyers' eventual 5-2 win over the Bruins.

(Pictured: Matt Read during warm-ups before his game against the Bruins. Photo by John Russo/The Checking Line)

Mason Stones Bruins in 5-2 Win

April 23, 2013

John Russo

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Steve Mason is continuing his strong case as the Flyers top goaltender for next season.

On a night honoring the city of Boston with pregame festivities, auctioned jerseys and a rousing edition of "Sweet Carolina," Mason stole the show to stone the Bruins and give the Flyers a huge win.

Mason stopped 39 shots for his third win in a Flyers jersey, leading the Flyers to a 5-2 win Tuesday night.

(Pictured: Steve Mason. Photo by John Russo/The Checking Line)

Simmonds' Four Point Night Dispatches Canes

April 20, 2013

Jordan Kuhns

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Teams destined to miss the playoffs put on 60 minutes of hockey devoid of defense and chock full of a dominant performance by winger Wayne Simmonds in a 5-3 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday night.

18 shots in the first period for the Flyers proved the insignificant defensive pressure by the Hurricanes. In fact, Jakub Voracek almost scored within the first 10 seconds of the game forcing starter Justin Peters had to make a desperate save to keep the puck from crossing the goal line.

667: Number of Brodeur

April 18, 2013

John Russo

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Martin Brodeur's win totals will no longer ironically be linked to the number of the beast.

Having been stuck with 666 wins -- ironically at that seeing as Brodeur has a big ole devil on his chest -- Brodeur finally snapped his six-game losing streak to earn his 667th career win against the Flyers in Philadelphia. It was his first win since March 23.

The Devils' 3-0 win also snapped the 10-game losing streak they were on, enabling them to leap-frog the Flyers in the standings.

Brodeur stopped 23 shots for his second shut-out of the season, also against the Flyers (3-0 back on January 22). For his career, Brodeur shut out the Flyers 11 times, and is now 47-30-6-3 against Philadelphia.

(Photo by John Russo/The Checking Line)

Our Savior, Kimmo!: Timonen Sparks Comeback Win on Resurrection Sunday

March 31, 2013

John Russo

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The Flyers may have turned a corner, finding their comeback identity and pulling off a stunning comeback of the Capitals.

Kimmo Timonen blasted the game-tying goal with nine seconds left in regulation and then set up Ruslan Fedotenko for the game-winner in over time to beat Washington, 5-4. It capped off a one-goal, three-assist night for Timonen, who resurrected his team with two primary assists and a goal in the final 10 minutes of play.

(Pictured: Defenseman Kimmo Timonen is greeted by teammates after scoring the game-tying goal with nine seconds left in regulation. Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images)

Flyers Stifle Boston; Snap Four-Game Skid

March 30, 2013

John Russo

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For the first time since March 15 the Flyers knew what it felt like to win a game.

The Flyers snapped a four-game losing streak, beating the Bruins 3-1 Saturday afternoon. It was a hard-earned win for the Orange and Black, who ran into a long string of bad luck the past two weeks.

Ilya Bryzgalov was absolutely fantastic in the win, stopping 33 shots to earn the win.

(Pictured: Flyers Sean Couturier celebrated with Mike Knuble after Knuble's power play goal in the 1st. Photo by Len Redkoles/NHLI via Getty Images)

Escape From Losing Island: Flyers Host Islanders; Look to End Losing Ways

March 28, 2013

John Russo

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The last time the Flyers played the Islanders they won 7-0. A near-repeat performance could do wonders on their psyche. A win in general would also suffice.

Flyers Sign St. Lawrence's Kyle Flanagan

March 20, 2013

John Russo

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The Flyers have signed a college player to an entry level contract.

They signed the two-year captain of the St. Lawrence University Saints (ECAC), Kyle Flanagan, to a one-year deal that will start next season. He was also signed to a tryout contract with the Adirondack Phantoms for the remainder of this season.

(Photo via St. Lawrence's website)

Dancing With the Devils: Bryz Steals Two Points In Must-Win Scenario

March 15, 2013

John Russo

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Despite going to the shootout, the Flyers managed to escape their home-and-home against New Jersey with two points.

Backed behind a brilliant game by Ilya Bryzgalov, the Flyers needed a full 65 minutes and three rounds of the shootout to beat the Devils, 2-1, and earn an incredibly important two points in their win on Friday night.

Despite going 0-for-4 on the power play, they held the Devils scoreless on their power play attempts as well, and a part of that was a result to Bryzgalov's timely saves.

Bryzgalov stopped 21 shots in the win, including 11 in the third period and over time despite his team being out-played and out-shot, 11-5, in those two frames.

(Pictured: Goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov. Photo by Len Redkoles/NHLI via Getty Images)

Flyers Continue to Cough Up Their Playoff Dreams

March 13, 2013

John Russo

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The Flyers knew exactly what they needed to do if they wanted to keep their playoff hopes at a manageable level.

They didn't execute though, and it was seen clearly in their 5-2 loss to New Jersey. They were docked with seven giveaways in the loss, leading to some quick first period goals that put them in an early, insurmountable hole.

An Andrej Meszaros give away behind the net gave the Devils their first goal of the game.

Meszaros coughed up the puck to the slot and Adam Henrique put a shot on net. Patrik Elias intercepted the shot in front of Ilya Bryzgalov and beat the netminder backhanded to put New Jersey up, 1-0.

(Pictured: Devils goalie Johan Hedberg makes a save. Photo by Andy Marlin/NHLI via Getty Images)