Steve Mason made 35 saves in his first win of the season on Tuesday night. (Photo by Amy Irvin/38Photography)
Craig Berube refused to consider the factors off the ice for the Oilers on Tuesday. What mattered was the effort of his own players.
The Flyers turned in their best game of the season on Tuesday, playing with excellent jump from the beginning. In the first 40 minutes, the Flyers opened a 4-1 lead. There was no scoring in the final 20 minutes, but Berube thought the third period was the Flyers best of the game.
"I thought it was our best period of the game," Berube said. "We killed a couple penalties, with Mason making big saves at the end. I thought the first two periods were not casual, but sloppy at times for me, with not enough attack. We had more attack in the third."
The Flyers certainly got contributions from all ends. Pierre-Edouard Bellemare and Luke Schenn each scored goals. Defensively, Carlo Colaiacovo's debut was solid while the pairing of Michael Del Zotto and Nick Schultz continued to turn in positive results.
But the two stars of the night were Steve Mason and Jake Voracek.
Voracek is playing on a level beyond any of his teammates. It has him ranking right at the top of the NHL's point standings, trailing Sidney Crosby by one. Voracek's two goals in the first period brought his point total to 18.
"I feel pretty good, but we're only 12 games in," Voracek said. "We can talk about it when we're 50-60 games in."
"His efforts hasn't changed from last year. This guy cares. He gives you everything he's got every game," Berube said. "He's in better shape. He's lighter this year. Those things are a factor."
As for Mason, the chances kept coming as the game progressed. Only one found the back of the net. The other 35 shots for Edmonton were stopped as Mason used all resources.
In the process, the Flyers goalie picked up his first win of the season, a huge weight off Mason's shoulders.
"This is something to build off of," Mason said. "It's only one game, but at the same time, it's nice to finally have a good feeling after a game."
"It’s great to see Mase get that first win," Voracek said. "He was our best player."
On the four Flyers goals, it was the set-up and not the finish. Voracek will get the top credit for both goals. But in both cases, a player with an assist helped make things happen.
On Voracek's first goal, a pass purposely banked off the end boards by Mark Streit put Voracek in position for the potential centering pass. Once the pass was blocked, Voracek turned to the wrap-around and scored.
For Voracek's second, Del Zotto led a rush up ice that ended with a cross-ice pass to Voracek and a return for a one-timer. The one-timer was blocked and the loose puck went right to Voracek after hitting the skate of Edmonton defenseman Jeff Petry.
"Most important, we had a good start to the game," Voracek said. "We were buzzing in the offensive zone. Scored two goals. An important two points for us."
This was the effort the Flyers needed in Florida and could not get on Saturday night, when all of the circumstances seemed right for a win. They were again on Tuesday and this time, the Flyers earned the two points.
The Panthers return to Philadelphia on Thursday, giving the Flyers a chance to put last Saturday well into the past. A repeat performance of Tuesday win will do that and then some.
Kevin Durso is managing editor for Flyerdelphia. Follow him on Twitter @KDursoPhilsNet.
