On a night when the Flyers celebrated the 50th anniversary of the NHL awarding them a franchise, they could do little right on the ice.
Despite playing on consecutive nights, the Anaheim Ducks had far more energy as they handed the Flyers their third consecutive loss, 4-1.
Claude Giroux’s unit with Jakub Voracek (three penalties) and Wayne Simmonds had arguably its worst game yet as a threesome.
The Flyers began the night five points behind the Islanders for the wild card. This was their fifth game in eight days.
Anaheim had a 13-2 shot advantage in the first period with two goals before the Flyers even had a sniff of the net.
Notable goals
Chris Stewart was awarded a penalty shot in the second period, which was as good as just writing it onto the scoresheet given Steve Mason’s track record in shootouts. That goal made it 3-0. Game over. Stewart is 3 for 3 lifetime on penalty shots.
Goalie report
Mason, starting his fifth straight, looked tired and a bit slow in movement.
Power play
A little indecisive again as to when to shoot and where. The PP was scoreless in five chances in Washington, and was on an 0-for-9 slide until Simmonds scored late in the game. The Flyers were 1 for 7 overall.
Penalty kill
The Flyers went 4 for 4 over the past two games but, for all intents and purposes, both of the Ducks' goals in the first period were on the power play. Rickard Rakell had both, backhanding one over the fallen Mason for the first goal and then a shovel shot between Mason’s legs as Anaheim’s second power play expired. Anaheim was 1 for 4.
Penalties
Un-Jakub-like night for Voracek. He took delay of game, hooking and roughing penalties.
Shots
The Flyers were so lethargic to begin the game, they were outshot 15-5 in the first period.
Injuries
Simmonds was cut with a high stick but did not miss a shift.
Fights
Ex-Flyer Patrick Maroon won a decision over Brandon Manning, who had his fourth fight of the season.
Scratches
Goalie Michal Neuvirth (possible groin), forwards Sean Couturier (right foot/high-ankle sprain), Jordan Weal (healthy) and R.J. Umberger (healthy) and defenseman Evgeny Medvedev (healthy) were all scratched.
Up next
The Flyers will practice on Wednesday and host Buffalo on Thursday night at the Wells Fargo Center.