(Getty Images)
Well that was fun! Wow, that might be the first time I’ve said that non-sarcastically this season.
The Flyers were coming in off of brutally disgusting loss to Edmonton and definitely could not let another 2 points slip to another bad team. Fortunately the Flyers were on the right side of a blow out tonight.
The Flyers really dominated play for the entire game. It truly was one of those 60 minute efforts you keep hearing Giroux talk about in his post game interviews. The Flyers got on the board about 4 minutes into the first period when Radko Gudas from the point fed Michael Raffl who was all alone to tip home the pass. Sean Couturier also picked up an assist. 1-0 Flyers.
What happened next was absolutely hilarious and completely awesome. Gudas was feeling really lucky tonight I guess and thought “hey, might as well try and blast a goal from center ice.” Which of course is exactly what he did. This thing was a rocket and Radko was ecstatic.
That’s as Gudas it gets #CBJvsPHI pic.twitter.com/FUjcg4Hmtz
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) March 6, 2016
Brandon Manning and Chris VandeVelde picked up the assists. 2-0 Flyers. The Flyers continued their strong play throughout the second. Keeping Columbus low on the shot count again. Late in the period Sam Gagner was able to ring one home followed by a Claude Giroux goal ten seconds later. Gagner was in on a two on one with Raffl and elected to shoot. Another blast that went right by Curtis McElhinney. Andrew Macdonald and none other than Radko Gudas picked up the assists on Gagner’s goal. Simmonds and Schenn assisted Giroux’s goal.
Gagn-yay #CBJvsPHI pic.twitter.com/YhLONngeyG — Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) March 6, 2016
#ROOOOOOOOOOOUX #CBJvsPHI pic.twitter.com/I4eYUtjSam
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) March 6, 2016
More of the same sweet play in the third period which led to 2 more Flyers’ goals. One was put in by Nick Cousins assisted by Matt Read. The next one was a shot from the point by, you guessed it, Radko Gudas.
Das Gud. #CBJvsPHI pic.twitter.com/6aQOkLPzoV
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) March 6, 2016
That would wrap things up. The Flyers completely obliterated the Blue Jackets and won a much need two points. Steve Mason also pitched a shutout which is great to see after not seeing him play for quite some time. The Penguins also lost their game against Calgary which is a big help for the Flyers’ playoff chances.
Goals:
Michael Raffl(9): Assisted by Radko Gudas(7) and Sean Couturier(17)
Radko Gudas(1): Assisted by Brandon Manning(4) and Chris VandeVelde(10)
Sam Gagner(6): Assisted by Andrew MacDonald(9) and Radko Gudas(8)
Claude Giroux(18): Assisted by Wayne Simmonds(21) and Brayden Schenn(22)
Nick Cousins(4): Assisted by Matt Read(12)
Radko Gudas(2): Assisted by Brandon Manning(5) and Michael Raffl(11)
Special Teams: Powerplay was 0 for 4 while the penalty kill was 2 for 2. 6 goals all from even strength. hmmmm.
Player of the game: Radko Gudas, I mean the man scored 4 freaking points! I’m not usually a big Gudas supporter as his play is usually borderline at best, but tonight was his night to shine.
You can follow Ryan at @flywalker1975 on Twitter.
