The Flyers responded to their coach’s call with a 4-3 win over the Blackhawks at the Wells Fargo Center on Saturday.
Acting head coach Mike Yeoh said his team took a long look in the mirror after it fell apart in the third period on Thursday with a 5-4 loss to the Wild.
“It must be uncomfortable, we had an unpleasant conversation today,” Yeoh said on Friday. “We will have to push each other, the players will have to hold each other accountable.
“Now we have players who are coming back. If the guys don’t do their job, obviously the time on the ice will reflect that, the opportunity will reflect that.”
The Flyers (17-28-10) showed a lot of struggle and stood up for each other to beat Chicago in a tough game.
More importantly, they did it at a crucial moment, which was a nightmare for the club. The Flyers closed a 3-2 lead in Saturday’s third period, snapping a two-game drift to improve the lead to 2-4-1 in their eight-game home stance.
“Our coach called out to the team quite loudly,” Kevin Hayes said of Yeoh’s message after Thursday’s loss. “I thought the boys reacted correctly. It goes a long way when your teammates stand up for each other.”
The Blackhawks (20-28-8) host the Flyers on April 25, the second of two meetings this season.
• Cam Atkinson and Joel Farabi had a great Saturday.
Farabi scored two goals for Atkinson, the second goal was the winner in the third period.
Atkinson (two goals, one assist) and Farabi (three assists) scored three points each. Atkinson scored 20 goals in his first season with the Flyers.
“We are all confused by the last game,” Atkinson said. “It was an embarrassment for everyone, including me. Doing this in front of our fans, it shouldn’t have happened. We wanted to show ourselves strong.
“Just play hard. We have so many games left. Play for each other and play for that organization and logo on the front.”
• After Deryck Brassard’s offhand performance on Thursday, Yeoh said the 34-year-old center came into his office on Friday morning and vowed to get better.
Brassard is a pro and has been frustrated by a hip problem that has cost him 31 games this season. On Saturday, he played with the advantage, confusing it with Chicago in the second period.
Rasmus Ristolainen stood up for Brassard every time.
The veteran forward was a man of his word. This time he was much better, taking it 3-3 in the third period and finishing the game plus-3 in 15:15 minutes.
“That’s what we’re looking for,” Yeoh said. “Responsibility is one thing to say, but you have to go out and you have to do it. He definitely did it tonight.”
Competing clubs will keep an eye on Brassard, especially if he looks healthier and more productive throughout March. He will likely be touched by the Flyers’ retooling at the March 21 trade deadline. Brassard has just $825,000 of contract expiring, has made 117 playoff appearances and can play both center and winger.
• The Oilers had two scouts. Both the Flyers and the Blackhawks will sell on time.
Edmonton is right on the edge of the playoffs in the Pacific Division and Western Conference Wild Card races. It can be help to the goalkeeper or the depth of the striker.
Flyers substitute Martin Jones started on Saturday and made 26 saves.
Jones is one of the club’s brightest trading chips. The seasoned 32-year-old has a one-year, $2 million contract and no NHL goaltender has played more games than him in the previous six seasons.
Chicago substitute Kevin Lankinen saved 23 of the Flyers’ 27 shots.
• Most Flyers are 0 out of 4 and 8 out of 71 (11.3 percent) as the calendar moves to 2022.
The human advantage was completely out of place at a costly time. In a 2-2 game and with four and a half minutes left in the middle stanza, the Flyers showed little in their third powerplay game.
The Blackhawks then took the lead at the second break thanks to a Dylan Strome goal.
• Hayes, who has only played 20 games this season due to stomach problems, returned to the first team for the first time since January 17.
He looked good and assisted Oskar Lindblom who scored the first goal.
Read more: After ‘very bad infection’, Hayes wants to get back on track with Flyers, fans
• Depths defenseman Kevin Connaughton made his first appearance since Feb. 17, taking over for Nick Siler.
Connoughton was heavily shaken up after Kirby Dah hit the boards with nine minutes left in the third period. He needed help as he headed off the ice into the tunnel.
“You saw what I saw and it didn’t look too good,” Yeoh said. “I stopped by after the game to try and find him, but he was still being looked at, so I haven’t gotten a report on it yet.”
• Wade Ellison was removed from injured reserve on Saturday morning and loaned to AHL side Lehigh Valley.
• On Tuesday, the Flyers will end their season home stance by hosting the Golden Knights (7:00 pm ET/NBCSP).
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