Sean Couturier scored early in the third period in the Flyers 3-2 loss to the Rangers.
After yesterday's split-squad action resulted in one shootout win – the first of the preseason for the Flyers – and a shootout loss, the Flyers had the whole team back together in Philadelphia for their fourth preseason game in three days.
A division rival waited as the New York Rangers and Flyers faced off for their only meeting of the preseason.
The Flyers were still unable to get their first win on home ice in the preseason, falling to the Rangers, 3-2, on Tuesday night at Wells Fargo Center.
The Flyers and Rangers played through a scoreless first period with the Rangers generating many of the scoring chances. Steve Mason was up for the task on all eight shots he faced in the period.
Early in the second, the Rangers struck for a goal by Derick Brassard off a nice pass from Mats Zuccarello.
It took over half of regulation, but the Flyers did find the net. After failing to score on Marty Biron, who will likely back up Henrik Lundqvist this season, goalie Cam Talbot entered. Max Talbot fired a shot that beat the young goalie to even the score.
With under a minute to play in the second, a deflection got the better of Mason, giving the Rangers the lead again. Former Flyer Darroll Powe managed a nifty deflection in front of the net to put New York in front as the second ended.
Less than three minutes into the third, the Flyers managed the equalizer again. A loose puck on a pass from Jakub Voracek rolled into the crease area and found the stick of Sean Couturier who finished the chance to tie the game at two.
For the third time, the Flyers couldn't channel that into a go-ahead goal. The Rangers charged back and took the lead again as Brassard made a nice pass into the slot to Benoit Pouliot who finished the play with the tally.
With time winding down, the Flyers managed to hold possession and get some chances, but ultimately could not manage the tying goal.
It was another successful night for some of the Flyers young players as well as their new acquisitions. Mark Streight looked solid alongside newly-signed rookie Sam Morin. Brandon Manning played solid as well on defense with some strong physicality.
Offensively, Voracek and Scott Hartnell, who will likely be linemates with Claude Giroux, provided strong energy. The probable second-line pairing of Wayne Simmonds and Vinny Lecavalier also generated good scoring chances throughout the night.
Also give the veteran try-out Hal Gill credit for a solid night as well. Gill assisted on Talbot's goal and was constantly in the way of New York shots.
It was also a strong night in goal for Mason, who made several excellent saves to keep the game close the whole way.
The Flyers now get a week off from game action as they embark on the team's annual bonding trip to Lake Placid. They are back in action next Tuesday, Sept. 24, against the New Jersey Devils for their final home preseason game.
Kevin Durso is a contributor for Flyerdelphia. You can follow him on twitter @KDursoPhilsNet.
