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3 major takeaways from Philadelphia Flyers' 2-0 win in preseason game vs New York Islanders
The Philadelphia Flyers shut out the New York Islanders 2-0 on Thursday night at the Wells Fargo Center. Erik Johnson and Russian star prospect Matvei MIchkov got the goals for the Flyers. The Flyers managed to keep the Islanders off the scoresheet despite being outshot 37-26.
Overall, the Flyers played a gritty game, managing to hold off the Islanders’ late push to tie the game. Michkov added the empty netter to seal the win for the Flyers.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at the three major takeaways from the Philadelphia Flyers' win over the New York Islanders.
3 major takeaways from Philadelphia Flyers' preseason win vs New York Islanders
#3. The Flyers played a sound Tortorella-type game
As is generally the case with John Tortorella-coached teams, the Flyers played a structured game, focusing on solid checking and intensity.
The Flyers played aggressively throughout the full 60 minutes, taking advantage of a lucky bounce off the boards that landed on Johnson’s stick for the game’s first goal.
The Philadelphia Flyers then held on the rest of the way to pull out a convincing victory.
#2. Michkov was a difference-maker
Matvei Michkov ended the game with a goal and an assist. He created the scoring opportunity on Johnson’s goal by taking the puck through the neutral zone and then handing it over to Cam York who blasted the puck wide. Fortunately, the puck ricocheted off the boards and landed on Johnson’s stick.
Then, Michkov was on the ice for the final moments of the game, trying to keep the Islanders at bay. He managed to gain control of the puck following a scrum along the boards and got the puck to Owen Tippet who returned the favor.
Michkov lobbed the puck from just outside the Islanders’ blue line to bury the empty netter for the win. This game was a highly encouraging sign for Michkov who is expected to make the team out of camp.
#1. Ersson was the star of the game
Samuel Ersson was the game’s first star. He stopped all 37 shots he faced in the full 60 minutes of play. The performance has essentially cemented Ersson’s role as the Flyers’ starting goaltender. Cal Peterson backed him up on Thursday night but watched as Ersson took control of the game for Philadelphia.
It’s also worth pointing out that Ersson wasn’t tested very often. While he did face nearly 40 shots, the bulk of these were not high-danger chances. It’s a credit to the Flyers’ blue line that managed to keep the front of the net clear most of the night.
Moving forward, the Philadelphia Flyers will expect Ersson to build on last year’s performance. With this outing tonight, Ersson looks poised to start the year as the number-one goaltender in Philly.
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