Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Philadelphia Flyers September 22, 2014

September 22, 2014 – Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Philadelphia Flyers

2014 NHL Exhibition

Despite the Philadelphia Flyers having a much better team on paper, it was the Toronto Maple Leafs who got odd to a strong start in this one. Toronto opened the game with the first 5 shots, helped by an early powerplay to the Flyers zero until the Flyers finally got on the board near the midway point of the first period. Philadelphia started to register their fair of chances on a powerplay following a good fight between heavyweights Zach Stortini (PHI) and Frazer McLaren (TOR). As both teams settled in, scoring chances started to get stronger but both goaltenders, particularly Anthony Stolarz (PHI) made some big stops to keep this game scoreless after one period.

In the second period we saw a little more back and forth action as the the teams exchanged chances before a powerplay for the Flyers shifted momentum. Not long added the powerplay expired, the Flyrrs came into the offensive zone. A great drive to the net to affect the goaltender by Nick Cousins combined with a powerful shot by Matt Read have the Flyers a 1-0 lead. Flyers remained in control of much of the play leading to a nice forehand/backhand goal by Michael Raffl, which was set up by Nick Cousins to give the Flyers a 2-0 lead. Just as it seemed the Flyers would go into the break with a 2-0 lead Troy Bodie and David Booth battled for a loose puck which Nazem Kadri was able to poke in as it came to him, to bring the Leafs within one going into the second intermission.

Scott Laughton drew an early penalty and on the powerplay Tom Nilsson entered the offensive zone and blasted a one-timer to score the tying goal just moments into the third period. Following this goal the Leafs were able to control the pace much better through the third as both teams became more cautious with their decisions. This game went to overtime where the Flyers quickly gained a four on three power play but was unable to convert sending this match-up to a shootout. Anthony Stolarz (PHI) and Cal Heeter (PHI) both made some very good saves before Maple Leafs forward David Booth was able to roof the game winning goal handing the Toronto Maple Leafs a 3-2 shootout victory.

TOR #8 RD Granberg, Petteri – Granberg showed a fair amount of aggression towards some key players looking to use his size and strength to throw his opponents off their game. He kept it pretty simple and stuck to his strengths playing a strong defensive game.

TOR #24 LC Holland, Peter – Holland was noticable utilizing his great shot making himself a threat to score in the offensive zone on a few occasions. He controlled the puck well for long stretches in the offensive zone. However didn’t show his skill or compete on a consistent basis and was noticable floating on multiple occasions.

TOR #49 RW Biggs, Tyler – Tyler showed great physical play and always followed through with some powerful hits. Skating still could be better. He had a good shooting opportunity but unfortunately missed the net.

TOR #50 LD Percy, Stuart – Percy kept it pretty simple tonight aside from a few offensive flashes. He was effective getting into passing lanes in the defensive zone and was quick to eliminate a few scoring chances. Footspeed looks like it has improved since last year.

PHI #12 LW Raffl, Michael – Michael displayed an impressive work ethic, especially for a roster player who was in his first exhibition game of the season. He made an excellent forehand/backhand move to score the Flyers’ second goal of the game.

PHI #24 LW Read, Matt – Matt helped his team out at both ends providing a consistent work ethic and competed hard in the defensive zone. He also blocked shots on the power play. He fired a laser into the back of the net for the first goal of the game.

PHI #50 LD Morin, Samuel – Samuel has outstanding size and strength. He delivered some big hits and punished opponents. His skating still needs a fair amount of work but has shown clear improvements since being selected in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. His positioning was strong in the second period allowing him to intercept passes in the defensive zone. As the game progressed his play diminished and Morin began to make some dangerous positional and puck mistakes.

PHI #52 LC Cousins, Nick – Nick played a big impact for the Flyers’ directly getting involved in both of Philadelphia’s goals tonight. On the first goal he drove the net aggressively enough to disrupt the goaltender to contribute on the first goal. He also made a good pass in the offensive zone to send Raffl in who scored Philadelphia’s second goal. Nick consistently competed but was outmuscled at times.

Final Score: Toronto Maple Leafs: 3 – Philadelphia Flyers: 2 – OT/SO