Coming into game six of the Flyers-Bruins season series, Boston had taken all five games up to Monday night’s match-up. The Flyers have now been surpassed by the Rangers in the standings, and the two teams will chase the Bruins’ fourth playoff spot. The spot is currently solidified, as Boston has a couple games in hand due to COVID breakouts.
Dan Vladar and the Bruins started out the first period well, but it did not last long. Travis Konecny was able to get the Flyers into the lead halfway through the first period. Giroux and Ian Provorov picked up the assists on the goal. Before the period ended, the Bruins would find their equalizer through Karson Kuhlman. Kuhlman used an incredible amount of patience before sniping it into the top right corner to tie the game. Coyle had the lone assist, ending the first tied at 1.
Right out of the gates, Patrice Bergeron gave Boston the lead. Less than a minute in, the Bruins power play line went to work. Bergeron was able to finish it off, through the buildup of David Pastrnak and Matt Grzelcyk. The second period was rather quiet otherwise, some chances were present, but none were finished. The Bruins led 2-1 at the end of the second.
Boston conceded a power play goal right back within the first seven minutes of the third through Sean Courturier. The Flyers stole the momentum completely at the end of the game. This set up defenseman Travis Sanheim to net the overtime winner, marking the first Flyers win against the Bruins this season.
The Bruins had a chance at revenge the very next day. On Tuesday night, Jeremy Swayman got the start in net. The AHL goaltender is currently 8-1 with the Providence Bruins this season. His NHL career started out with a bang. Patrice Bergeron found himself a brace in the first period, giving Boston a 2-0 lead. Marchand assisted on both goals, and the dream line was at work.
But, it all fell apart. After just five minutes of play in the second period, the Bruins’ lead was nonexistent. Voracek and Gostisbehere both scored, with no response for the rest of the period. The period was slow the rest of the way, opening up the game for anyone’s taking. It would come rather easy for the Bruins, as Brad Marchand and Patrice Bergeron would ice the game.
Marchand’s shorthanded goal set up the Bruins for the win. Bergeron was able to snipe his empty netter to complete the hat trick. Marchand had a point on all four Boston goals on the night.
After the Flyers series, Boston continues their firm grasp of fourth place in the East division. Washington and New York are seemingly out of reach, so the B’s will set their task at catching Pittsburgh. The Penguins sit four points ahead, with three more games played.
The Rangers and Flyers continue to chase a playoff spot, they have identical records at 18-15-5, with 41 points. Boston’s next challenges will be a single game with Washington on Thursday night, and a doubleheader on both days of the weekend.