In the first game of the First Round series, the Flyers defeated the Montreal Canadiens, 2-1, at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto on Wednesday night.
Ivan Provorov notched the lone goal in the first period. After Shea Weber knotted the game at 14:38 of the second period, Joel Farabee responded just 16 seconds later to put the Flyers ahead, 2-1. The Flyers protected the lead the rest of the way.
Carter Hart was outstanding in stopping 27 of 28 shots. Carey Price took a hard-luck loss with 29 saves on 31 shots.
TURNING POINT
The Habs barely had time to celebrate tying the game at 1-1. A turnover, a keep by Travis Sanheim, a deflection and then a rebound put-in by Farabee stuck a dagger in Montreal's hearts. The Flyers barely gave the Habs a sniff at a comeback in the third period after Montreal had dominated the second period.
MELTZER'S TAKE
* It was a good 1st period for the Flyers overall. Philadelphia controlled puck possession most of the period, got traffic in front of Price, scored on their 1st power play and Hart was strong when tested. In the latter half of the period, Montreal did get some forechecking pressure going, and the Flyers had some sloppy zone exits. Other than that, the Flyers pretty much had their way (shots were 11-5 in the Flyers' favor).
* Provorov had layers of traffic screening Price on the game's first goal, and the puck may have been partially deflected by Paul Byron. Claude Giroux got his first assist of the playoffs and Konecny collected his third at 8:54. Later, Hart stepped up to deny Artturi Lehkonen on Montreal's first bonafide scoring chance. The Flyers goalie also remained calm in the first scramble around his net.
* As well as the Flyers played in the first period, that's how much they got outworked in the second stanza. Hart was severely tested numerous times, as the Canadiens blitzed the Flyers to the tune of a 17-7 shot differential. Montreal had the Flyers on the wrong side of the puck way too often, and playing chase. It enabled Montreal to execute their strategy of throwing pucks at the net from every possible angle.
* With the score still 1-0 Flyers, Price appeared to be down and out with Scott Laughton set up by Hayes at point blank range. Somehow, Price sprawled over to make a desperation paddle save that deflected the puck over the net. With Nic Aube-Kubel in the penalty box for holding, the Habs created a scramble around the net. The loose puck was poked to Weber, who buried it from point-blank range to tie the game.
* The Flyers staged an outstanding close-out period in the final stanza. Couturier and the Hayes lines set the tone, Derek Grant and other contributed strong off-puck work and Hart made six final saves to seal the victory.
STATISTICALLY SPEAKING
* Both teams did not score on the power-play prior to tonight, but scored on their first opportunity in this game - the Flyers went 0-for-11 in the three-game Round Robin, while the Canadiens went 0-for-12 in the Qualifying Round.
* The Flyers went 1-for-3 overall on the night, while the Canadiens went 1-for-1 on the man advantage.
* Joel Farabee recorded his first career playoff game-winning goal... He has three points (2g-1a) in three games.
* Carter Hart is 3-0-0 so far in the playoffs, posting a 1.00 GAA and .966 save percentage.
* Sean Couturier co-led the team with four shots on goal and had five hits.
* Ivan Provorov scored his first career Stanley Cup Playoff goal... He also logged 23:55 of ice time to lead the Flyers.
* Including the Round Robin, the Flyers defense has eight points (4g-4a) in four games.
