For the second time in a three-game span, the Flyers found themselves on the wrong end of a shootout result.
This time, they fell to the Ottawa Senators, after a tight-checking matchup that saw both teams score just one goal apiece in regulation (see recap). As a result, the Orange and Black fall to 3-9 this season in the glorified skills competition.
"As teams start to gear up for the playoffs, they really work on perfecting their systems," said Ray Emery, following his first start in nearly a month. "Guys don't want to make mistakes out there, and it definitely tightens up."
Emery finished with 27 saves on 28 shots, in his first game action since Feb. 19.
The Flyers' lone goal came from Jakub Voracek at the 12:12 mark of the second period — his 21st of the season, and first goal since March 7. The Flyers' offense came back to Earth following their seven-goal outburst Saturday against Detroit, but there were several factors in play — namely, the travel, short turnaround and recently-hot goalie in Andrew Hammond (who, like Emery, stopped 27 of 28 pucks).
While the offense wasn't there, the Flyers (29-27-15) were able to find success in other facets of their game — namely on the penalty kill, where they were able to shut down three Senators power plays. The Sens' power play wasn't exactly the biggest challenge though, as they entered the game ranked 23rd in the league.
"It's a good game, a good smart game," coach Craig Berube said. "I thought that we were in control all game…thought that Ray made some good saves for us when he had to…thought that we played pretty smart."
It's difficult to pinpoint the exact cause(s) of the Flyers' shootout difficulties. It's even more astounding when you take into consideration that they boast an upper-echelon center as well as one of the NHL's top point scorers this season. Could they perhaps be mental lapses?
"It probably is mental, nothing more than that," Berube said. "They have the skill to put the puck in the net. It's a combination of not scoring enough and not getting the save.
"I thought Ray did a good-enough job on the first two shooters, and we couldn't get a goal."
Rob Riches is a contributor to Flyerdelphia. Follow him on Twitter @Riches61
