* The Flyers suffered a frustrating loss last night in Nashville. After going down 3-0, the Flyers fought back and scored the next 5 goals, only to give up two goals in the last 1:17 of the third period to lose.
Coach Dave Hakstol challenged a close off-sides call late in the period. The call was upheld, the team was penalized again, and the Predators scored to win the game, 6-5.
Hakstol could have played it safe and not challenged the off-sides call. A point on the road, especially in Nashville ( one of the loudest arenas in the NHL), would've been a morale boost. The Flyers won 2 of 3 games to start the season before the Predator game ( first time the Flyers started the season with 4 games on the road since 1971). A win against the reigning Western Conference champions- on their home ice- in their home opener- would have been huge.
It wasn't meant to be. Still, the Flyers had a good trip and now come home for their home opener, the first of five consecutive games at the Wells Fargo Center.
Still, Haksol's risky challenge was the dagger in the heart, especially after the team stormed back in such a hostile atmosphere and took a two-goal lead late in the 4th period.
Goalie Brian Elliot had another shaky outing. We let go of Steve Mason for that? Elliot has been average at best so far, kind of like Mason was for most of his Philadelphia career.
It was an exciting game. The Flyers are faster, younger and seem like they have more energy. It's going to be a thrilling season. The home opener is Saturday night vs the Washington Caps.
The Flyers will get a shot at revenge pretty quickly when Nashville invades Philly a week from tomorrow, Thursday, October 19.
* A day after Joel Embiid signs a big $148 million contract extension, suddenly he may be healthy enough to play in the Sixers' exhibition game tonight at Brooklyn. Funny how that works out. Now let's see Embiid play, and play well. The fans have been teased long enough.
* There's a rumor that former Phillies general manager Ruban Amaro Jr. is on a short-list to become the next Phillies' manager. Say it ain't so! Amaro Jr. may be the youth, former player- manager that current GM Matt Klentak wants, but please. No more Ruban. He was a pain when he was here, poor talent evaluaror. He has no experience managing a baseball team. He has served as a first base coach for the Boston Red Sox the last several years. What qualifications does he have for the job?
If it is really "time to look forward" as Klentak said at the Pete Mackanin firing news conference,then look forward, not backward with Ruban.
I still say, in the end, Lehigh Valley skipper Dusty Warthan will get the job.
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