SAN JOSE, Calif. -- They didn’t get the W they wanted, but if they continue to play this way, then the West Coast trip should prove a positive for the Flyers. Still, that won't take the sting away from a tough-to-take loss Tuesday night.
The Flyers put in a considerable effort while losing, 2-1, to the Sharks on Tuesday night at the SAP Center. With 11.5 seconds to go, Matt Nieto scored when goalie Steve Mason was struck out of position by Braydon Coburn on a breakaway attempt in which Coburn took Mason out and prevented him from making a critical save.
The loss was the Flyers' fifth straight and ninth in 10 games.
The Flyers have also dropped eight straight games on the road. Their last road win came Oct. 22 in Pittsburgh.
Lifetime, the Flyers had a winning record in San Jose, coming into play with an 8-7-2-1 log in the town.
This game featured a truly rare sight: The Flyers were actually outshooting an opponent early in the game by a decent margin. In this case, 16-6 in the first period.
For the first time this season, Jakub Voracek did not get a point in a game in which the Flyers scored a goal.
Mason was outstanding with 25 saves.
Notable goals
How about the one the Flyers got to start the game?
For the first time this season, the Flyers scored first on the road (12 games) as Sean Couturier scored on the power play with a nice wrister from the left high slot against Antii Niemi.
Rookie first
Scott Laughton picked up his first NHL point on the direct pass to Couturier on his goal.
Goalie report
Mason was very impressive during a Sharks second-period power play with three quick saves -- Brent Burns, Patrick Marleau and Joe Pavelski.
Power play
The Flyers were 1 for 2. The Sharks were 0 for 1.
The Flyers came into the game having yielded 12 power-play goals over their last nine games. They gave up none in this one.
No penalty
Sharks defenseman Matt Irwin should have been penalized for knocking the net off its moorings late in the third period on a Wayne Simmonds scoring chance.
Injuries
Michael Raffl’s right shoulder caught Logan Couture in the head on the first shift of the third period. Couture left the game, Raffl was shaken up as well but remained in the game.
Fights
Couturier lost one badly to Brendan Dillon in the first period.
Scratches
Forward Vinny Lecavalier (healthy) -- and he wasn't happy about it.
Also, defensemen Michael Del Zotto and Carlo Colaiacovo (both healthy).
Up next
It’s back-to-back games for the Flyers as they face the Anaheim Ducks at 10:30 p.m.