Good response from Michkov, but the Flyers fall again to the Kings originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
For the second time in 10 days, the Flyers were dominated by the Kings when it mattered most.
This resulted in another tough loss for John Tortorella’s club, this one by 5-4 decision on Sunday night at Crypto.com Arena.
The Flyers held a 4-2 lead after Joel Farabee scored with 6:18 left in the second period.
But Los Angeles responded with three unanswered goals, including two in the final quarter. The Flyers were outscored 6-0 in the third period of the two-game regular season series against the Kings.
The Flyers (16-17-4) lost both games against Los Angeles, allowing a combined 12 goals. The first meeting was a 3-3 match at the second intermission then the Kings (21-10-5) scored four goals in the third period.
Tortorella’s team is 1-1-0 on its five-game road trip outside of the holiday break. This season, the Flyers are 1-6-0 in the second straight game and have been outscored 34-21. They beat the Ducks, 3-1, on Saturday.
Tyson Foerster, Scott Laughton and Matvei Michkov scored the other goals for the Flyers on Sunday night.
The club is 4-7-1 in December. Last season it was 8-2-3.
• Tortorella remained alongside Michkov after playing against the 20-year-old winger in the third period on Saturday.
The decision paid off as the prized rookie ended his seven-game goal drought with a goal and an assist, giving him 10 multi-point performances in 35 games.
In the first period, Michkov tried to take a shot at Los Angeles goaltender David Rittich and the shot went straight to Laughton for a 2-1 lead. Then, in the second period, the bank opened for Michkov’s go-ahead 3-2.
That’s why it makes sense to let Michkov go through some struggles away from the puck. It’s a talent that can go out at any time, even when he’s in a bad position. And you don’t want to miss this kind of offense.
• After allowing six goals to the Kings on 26 shots in the first meeting, Aleksei Kolosov conceded five on 20 shots in the rematch.
The 22-year-old wasn’t very sharp and the Flyers didn’t help him much as the game fell behind. Warren Foegele tied Los Angeles at 4-3, scoring on his own rebound after Kolosov initially denied him on a breakaway.
The Flyers had a bad gift at the offensive blue line that sent Foegele the other way. Egor Zamula passed to Travis Konecny in a difficult spot, then the Flyers’ top scorer committed the turnover.
Future Hall of Famer Anze Kopitar scored both goals for the Kings in the third period. The winning goal came on the power play just five seconds after Travis Sanheim was whistled for hooking.
The Flyers also needed Kolosov to be better earlier in the game.
Rittich stopped 17 of the Flyers’ 21 shots.
• Farabee scored a goal in back-to-back games off the break. He only played four in 35 games before the break. Looking at his track recordeveryone could see that offense was bound to come for Farabee.
But the key for him will be to build on that. The Flyers, as a team, have had far too many ups and downs. If they get a more consistent secondary, they have a better chance of getting out of .500 territory.
• The Flyers return to action Tuesday for a New Year’s Day game against the Sharks at SAP Center (8 p.m. ET/NBCSP).
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