Simply put, the Lightning weren't able to match the Flyers' urgency level. As a result, the Flyers were quicker to loose pucks and hungry in winning puck battles. They had the bulk of the puck possession in the game, owned a 38-27 shot advantage and generated more scoring chances than the Lightning.
In addition to the urgency level, there were other problems. The Lightning had issues with their defensive zone coverage. Prior to Valtteri Filppula's empty-net goal, the Flyers scored all four of their goals on open looks from point-blank range. The biggest play of the game came from Sean Couturier, who netted a rebound goal with 11 seconds left in the second period. His tally came after the Lightning failed on a chance to clear the puck from their defensive zone and it gave the Flyers a 3-2 lead heading into the third period.
Finally, the Lightning also hurt their cause by taking six penalties leading to Philadelphia power plays. Two of those resulted in goals for the Flyers.
Philadelphia goalie Brian Elliott did provide his team with some key situational saves in those aforementioned moments when the Lightning elevated their game. On the Lightning side, there is concern for Peter Budaj, who left the game with an injury in the third period. He didn't have much help on the four goals that he allowed and he denied several other good Philadelphia looks before he got hurt.
The Lightning have only lost consecutive games once so far this season. They'll look to avoid that fate when they begin a tough five-game road trip on Sunday in Columbus.
Lightning Radio Big Moment of the Game (as selected by Phil Esposito):
Couturier's late second period goal.
Lightning Radio Three Stars of the Game (as selected by Phil Esposito):
1. Sean Couturier - Flyers. Goal and two assists.
2. Brian Elliott - Flyers. 24 saves.
3. Tyler Johnson - Lightning. Shorthanded goal.
