PHILADELPHIA – It’s not too often a player draws a penalty at a crucial time in a game and then scores on the ensuing power play.
That’s why there was an extra big celebration on the Flyer bench when Trevor Zegras turned that trick at 10:30 of the second period.
His goal tied the game at 2-2 and completed a two-goal Flyer comeback on the way to a 3-2 shootout win over Carolina on Monday night, clinching a spot in the postseason for the playoff-starved team.
Zegras has been the emotional sparkplug of this team almost since the day he walked in the door after an offseason trade with Anaheim.
He’s played all season with a chip on his shoulder and that proved to be a successful motivational approach. The goal in this game was his 26th, extending his career high for a season in his career.
As usual after a Flyer win, he was all smiles following the game at Xfinity Mobile Arena. This was an inspirational comeback after being down 2-0.
“It’s incredible, haven’t felt anything like it,” Zegras said. “And to do it in that fashion, down early, vs. a great team, to crawl back in and get into a shootout was something pretty special.”
Zegras has been centering a powerhouse line with Owen Tippett and Tyson Foerster. These guys have been rolling over opponents since coach Rick Tocchet and his staff put it together.
It’s nothing new the Flyers rallied after falling behind. They’ve won 20 games after an opponent has scored first.
Zegras gives some of the credit to the enthusiastic fans at XMA.
“The fans were unbelievable,” Zegras said. “Like that was the coolest thing I’ve ever seen. Their reaction when ‘Foery’ (Tyson Foerster) scored in the shootout, I’ll never forget that. The fans made it so cool and so fun. Their energy gave us a lot of momentum in the third period.”
Like most of the Flyers, just the relief of reaching the season’s objective – making the playoffs – is a great tension release.
“When you don’t feel it for so long, you forget what it feels like,” Zegras said. “For an athlete, you thrive on that kind of environment. That’s what you want. To do it with this group of guys is awesome. We’re obviously so close and love each other so much.”
Zegras had nothing but good things to say about his linemate, Foerster, who overcame a major injury.
“Honestly, it’s a testament to him,” Zegras said. “To go out with that injury, to work as hard as he did, to come back and have that moment (the shootout winner) was incredible.”
>Vladar steady
After giving up two goals early in the game, goalie Dan Vladar settled down and allowed nothing after that, including four shootout attempts by Carolina.
“There was always belief in this room,” Vladar said about the Flyers’ season. “We were trying to reach a goal and we did in game 81.
“We were playing playoff hockey for the last month and a half. Ever since the Olympic break we were trying to catch teams. For me, it was getting ready for every single game and giving it everything I had.”
Owen Tippett is one of Vladar’s biggest fans.
“He’s been our backbone,” Tippett said. “The excitement he has and it doesn’t matter who it is. He’s always got a smile on his face. I’ve never played with a goalie who’s been that vocal, both on and off the ice. In TV timeouts, he’s always the guy coming over and keeping us going. He’s a big part of this and he deserves this one for sure.”
Be the first to comment