The Philadelphia Flyers fell short of the mark against the Avalanche despite a spirited effort. In what was a ceremonial affair for the team who honored Erik Johnson’s historic achievement, the young squad showed encouraging signs against a tricky opponent.
Erik Johnson gets his flowers
Erik Johnson finally had his 1,000th NHL career celebration before a puck drop against the Avalanche. Johnson spent 13 seasons with Colorado and won the Stanley Cup with the team, which was fitting as he played them just one game after reaching his 1,000th against Buffalo, with whom Johnson also played.
Johnson started his career in St. Louis when he was selected first overall in the 2006 draft. During Johnson’s time in St. Louis in 2008, he suffered a freak golf cart accident during a team outing. His right foot was stuck between the brake and the accelerator. Johnson tore the anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments in the knee. Johnson had surgery and, 18 months later, stated, “I appreciate how lucky I am to play hockey for a living and not take playing for granted.”
With Johnson’s positive mindset throughout his career and always appreciating the game, it was even more rewarding for the blue liner when the Colorado Avalanche defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning in six games in 2022. Jonhson played 20 games during the Avalanche cup run and 55 postseason games since being with Colorado for 13 seasons.
Johnson spent a little over 50 games with Buffalo before coming to Philadelphia. While Jonhson’s life is still in Denver, he has also adapted to Philadelphia as his home. John Tortorella even stated that Johnson hosted Flyers’ 13th overall draft pick, Jett Luchanko in his home during Jett’s rookie tryout.
The veteran was also the first Flyers player to be vocal about wanting to take Matvei Michkov under his wing and even reached out to him. While he might not like the attention, Erik Johnson is a team player. Before the game, the video packages consisted of many of his former teammates on the Avalanche and Kyle Okposo, who played on the Sabres with Johnson.
NFL legend Peyton Manning was the only nonhockey player or family member to make an appearance. While Johnson was gifted many gifts from his teammates, the most notable was the Silver Stick, presented to Johnson by his former teammate in Colorado and now General Manager Danny Briere.
Flyers vs Avalanche recap
After the celebration, the game got underway. Aleksei Kolosov was in the net for Philadelphia. After 20 minutes, the contest remained scoreless due to Kolosov’s quick reaction time between the pipes. He was composed and in control throughout the contest, especially in the first 20 minutes. Defenseman Helge Grans also made his NHL debut and displayed speedyness on the ice. Grans was called up because Sam Ersson was placed on IR. The main problem the Flyers displayed in the first frame was high and wide missed shots on goal.
In the second frame, Colorado’s contest became more attractive. Cale Makar scored the Avalanche’s first goal. Minutes later, it appeared that Makar scored again; however, after a successful coach’s challenge, that goal was overturned. The game remained a one-goal affair, but when Matvei Michkov was sent to the penalty box for interference, Makar capitalized off the power play to regain the two-goal lead.
In the final frame, the Flyers came out looking like a whole new team despite the Avalanche scoring yet another goal. Casey Mittelstadt was the goal scorer and final goal scorer from the Avalanche, which halted all hope of a Makar hat trick.
However, Philadelphia scored two goals, which made the game enjoyable. Halfway through the final frame, Owen Tippett scored, and Tyson Foerster scored less than two minutes later. On Foerster’s goal, Grans picked up the secondary assist for his first NHL point in his NHL debut. While the Flyers couldn’t capitalize within the game’s final six minutes to tie it up, they at least showed some fight, which was steps treading in the right direction for this young team.
Makar stated after the contest in Colorado’s locker room, “They (Flyers) are good at getting guys in the lanes. So, you have to be creative about getting pucks to the net. They’re a good defensive team around the net.” Following the loss, Tortorella stated that he thought Grans looked good and didn’t look out of place for his debut. Tortorella also said the team needs to stop doing “stupid stuff.”
The Flyers prepare to take on Carolina this Wednesday, and they are looking to get back in the win column after their five-game point streak ended.
Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
