Late Goal for Vegas Downs Flyers

(Photo: Kate Frese)

By Kevin Durso, Sports Talk Philly editor 

It was hardly like the game on Tuesday night, where the Flyers left their goalie out to dry. It didn't change the result of the contest for the Flyers.

Cody Eakin scored with 1:25 left in regulation for the only goal of the game, as the Vegas Golden Knights defeated the Flyers, 1-0, behind a stellar start from Marc-Andre Fleury on Saturday afternoon at Wells Fargo Center.

The Flyers got two power play opportunities in the opening period but failed to capitalize on either. Defensively, it was a much better opening for the Flyers, as they limited Vegas to just five shots in the period, but did get a few fortunate bounces on rebounds left by Brian Elliott.

The Flyers let in shots, 10-5, after the first period.

Both teams took 10 shots apiece in the second period as play started to open up. Vegas got two power play chances and did not score. The Flyers managed several odd-man rushes and couldn't solve an excellent Marc-Andre Fleury.

The third period started off slow for the Flyers, who took over 10 minutes to collect their first shot on goal. Vegas slugged their way through the period as well before the momentum started to shift and the Golden Knights got a late power play with 4:15 to play as Wayne Simmonds went off for hooking.

The Flyers killed off the penalty with more strong work while shorthanded, making them 3-for-3 on the day, but a mistake just 50 seconds later would decide the game.

Sean Couturier failed on a weak clearing attempt and lost Eakin behind the play. Ryan Carpenter threw a pass through the slot to Eakin, who was wide open, and Eakin went top shelf on Elliott for the first and only goal of the game.

The Flyers did get Elliott out for the extra attacker and appeared to have the tying goal on the stick of Claude Giroux, but one more highlight-reel save by Fleury kept the Flyers off the board for good.

Fleury made 26 saves in the shutout win. Elliott made 20 saves on 21 shots for Vegas.

The Flyers lost forward Scott Laughton late in the second period, but he returned in the third. Forward Oskar Lindblom took a hard hit along the glass from Brayden McNabb midway through the third and did not return to the game after that.

The Flyers are back in action on Tuesday night when they host the Florida Panthers. Game time is at 7 p.m.

Box Score

Scoring Summary

1st Period

• No Scoring

2nd Period

• No Scoring

3rd Period

• VGK Cody Eakin (2) (Ryan Carpenter) 18:35

Game Statistics