• March 29, 2024

Voracek, McGinn Ground Jets in 3-2 Win

2013_game14_mcginnThe Philadelphia Flyers desperately needed to grind out a win against the Winnipeg Jets this evening after stumbling the night before in Toronto.

It wasn’t just a matter of earning another two points (though that is obviously the bottom line). If they were to drop two in a row at the beginning of this latest road trip, it would be difficult for them to find positives to build on in such short time.

Flyers head coach Peter Laviolette shuffled his lines again, but maintained the line of Tye McGinn-Brayden Schenn-Jake Voracek while moving Danny Briere back to center. The pressure generated by that line along with a renewed vow from the defense to “keep things simple” helped the Flyers edge the Jets 3-2 in regulation.

Brayden Schenn opened the scoring with a great tip-in shot from Jake Voracek. Schenn has two 2 goals and 4 points in the last three games. Voracek has quietly earned himself 2 goals and 8 assists in his last 8 games as well.

Andrew Ladd, captain of the Jets, tied the game minutes later as a blind, backhand pass from forward Blake Wheeler at the boards bypassed three Flyers defensemen and made its way onto his stick.

Aside from that miscue (and some struggling in the third people as players became gassed), the defense did not find themselves out of position as badly as it did in Toronto. The players seemed to have a renewed focus that relied less on the breakout pass and more on clearing the puck out of the defensive end.

Luke Schenn bounced back nicely from the criticism received yesterday, credited with 7 hits and 0 turnovers in 20:46 of ice time.

Kimmo Timonen grabbed the lead with a goal on the powerplay before the first period expired. The powerplay still needs refinement and arguably new personnel, finishing 1-4 over the game.

In contrast to the game in Toronto, the team kept their composure throughout the game and only took three minor penalties. Zac Rinaldo, who is usually good for at least one penalty per game (deserved or otherwise), was responsible for drawing two powerplay opportunities against Jets forward Anthony Peluso.

The Flyers carried the one-goal lead through the second period. McGinn, taking advantage of his time spent with Voracek, drove hard to the net and redirected a pass from #93 to tally the insurance marker.

It was a critical goal at a critical time, especially considering the Jets were able to sneak another goal past Bryzgalov with 46 seconds remaining in the game.

In addition to the goal, McGinn came to the aid of Voracek after the former was jostled by defenseman Mark Stuart and dropped the gloves. Stuart was actually coming to the aid of goaltender Al Montoya, who was bumped by Voracek while playing the puck outside the crease.

One concern of mine is that, after taking two dangerous head collisions into the boards in the previous two games, fighting is just going to expose himself more to a concussion. It’s not as if Flyers rookies haven’t hid conditions from the team before; just ask Marc-Andre Bourdon how well that has worked for him.

Ilya Bryzgalov continued to be the decisive factor in the game, keeping the Flyers in the game even as the team in front of him was scrambling late in the third period. It was not an easy crowd for him to play in front of either, considering how well the fans in Winnipeg appreciated some comments he made about the city several years ago.

The Flyers have two days off before returning to New Jersey on Friday. They would be wise to spend as much time working on the powerplay as possible before taking on the Eastern Conference leaders.

Josh Janet

Josh Janet was raised in Northern New Jersey, but by an odd set of circumstances, is a Philadelphia sports fan. While recently converted to the Phillies, Josh is a diehard Flyers fan and can be expected to stay on top of the latest NHL news.

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paulman
paulman
February 13, 2013 7:20 am

A good Win for the Team. No doubt Nd much needed after their poor showing in Toronto.. Game verse Devils on how mentally/physically tough this Flyer Team.. A big game in my opinion..

bugsyhawk
bugsyhawk
February 13, 2013 8:43 am

Although they played better, they are basically tied to how well Bryz plays since they are giving up way too many quality chances. Kane could basically do whatever he wanted last night.

Dustin Byfuglein is a goon who somehow gets away with murder because he is somewhat skilled. He should have penalized multiple times last night especially for cross checking Rinaldo in the face and then when he was going down. Rinaldo played great and under control last night too. He is quickly become a poor man’s Barnaby.

eagles0superbowls
eagles0superbowls
February 13, 2013 11:53 am
Reply to  bugsyhawk

the Flyers PK started the season so bad, I still feel the less penalties the refs call the better for the Flyers

eagles0superbowls
eagles0superbowls
February 13, 2013 12:02 pm

that was a good fight last night between McGinn & Stuart. McGinn got last good shot.
It was nice to get some re-directions in front of the net. I still think Simmonds redirected that Timonen goal.
McGinn a goal and fight win, good night