Philadelphia Flyers v Boston Bruins
(Photo Credits: Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

By: Liz Rizzo | Follow me on Twitter @pastagrl88

With the news that Jaroslav Halak tested positive for COVID-19, Dan Vladar would get the call to play in between the pipes. The six-foot-five Czech goaltender played outstanding making 29 saves while giving the Bruins every chance to win, but unfortunately, Boston came up flat-footed. The Flyers are now three games behind the Bruins in the standings as they win their first game against Boston tonight at the TD Garden.

GAME BREAKDOWN

Both the Bruins and the Flyers had some nice early looks in the first period as both goaltenders swatted away pucks flying towards the net. A few icings against Philly gave Boston some golden scoring chances. Flyers goalie Brian Elliot was forced to dance in the net as he blocked a potential shot from Patrice Bergeron. After an initial block, Philly’s Travis Konecny would find the bouncing puck and wristed one in past Dan Vladar, getting the Flyers on board 1-0. Looking to respond, Boston would quickly swarm Philly’s net with multiple missed shots that included one that rang off the post.

After a forced turnover on Philly, Boston took advantage as Karson Kuhlman nailed the puck in net, tying the game at one-a-piece. Charlie Coyle would be credited with the assist.

With less than one minute left to the period, Boston drew the first penalty of the night as Shayne Gostisbehere would be sent to the box for tripping against Brad Marchand. The Bruins would start the second period on the man advantage.

SCORE END OF THE FIRST: BOS-1, PHI-1

SHOTS ON GOAL: BOS-7, PHI-10

Captain Patrice Bergeron would open up the second period with a power-play goal from a redirected pass, making it 2-1. David Pastrnak and Matt Grzelcyk were credited with the assists. With that goal, Bergeron is now fourth on the Bruins all-time scoring list, surpassing Rick Middleton with 899 points. The Flyers would get on the power-play as Jeremy Lauzon was sent to the box on a holding penalty. Vladar would somehow manage to contain Philly as he made two spectacular saves during the man advantage. No additional score during the power-play. David Pastrnak would get called for a holding penalty on Nicolas Aube-Kubel.

Philly charged the net and despite the traffic out front, Vladar was able to smother the puck. A careless Flyers’ play led to a possible short-handed goal from Sean Kuraly, however, Smith was able to slow the puck down. Boston would once again rush towards Philly’s net leading to a potential scoring chance as Trent Frederick hit the cross-bar. Hoping to shift some momentum, Philly continued to buzz around the Bruins zone but were unable to finish their plays.

Once again Boston would have a close scoring chance that came the way of another Flyers icing. The Bruins would be on the man-advantage as Justin Braun was called for a holding penalty on Charlie Coyle. Despite some chances, no additional score. Not to be outdone, Philly would try to storm back forcing Vladar to once again make timely saves. Boston continued to apply pressure in the Flyers end as they ended the period with the lead.

SCORE END OF SECOND: BOS-2, PHI-1

SHOTS ON GOAL: BOS-11, PHI-11

The energy level from the Bruins was dominant as Marchand was thisclose to scoring within a few seconds of the third period. Boston would flutter Philly’s net with consecutive shots on goal. Jeremy Lauzon got called on a holding penalty against Michael Raffl. The Flyers’ Sean Couturier would tie the game, wristing a shot that passed over the glove side of Vladar. Playing off that goal, Philly brought extra energy to their gameplay as they looked to regain the lead. With minutes left in the period, the Bruins looked to quiet down the Flyers’ surge with some added pressure from their top line as the game headed into overtime.

END OF REGULATION: BOS-2, PHI-2

SHOTS ON GOAL: BOS-10, PHI-5

Overtime play saw potential chances, however as Captain Patrice Bergeron lost his footing, the Flyers’ Travis Sanheim would carry the puck to score the game-winning goal.

FINAL SCORE: BOS-2, PHI-3/OT

TOTAL SHOTS ON GOAL: BOS-29, PHI-32

NEXT GAME: Tuesday, March 6th @ Philadelphia Flyers, with puck drop after 7:00 pm. NBCSP, NESNPlus