Shootout rears its ugly head in Flyers loss to Ducks

For two and three fourths periods, the Flyers played a heck of a hockey game. They led 2-0 over a tough Anaheim team, Ray Emery had been solid and the defense seemed to have shaken its irritating habit of coughing up the puck like a cat coughs up a fur ball.

Too bad hockey games last for three full periods because that last fourth was rough for the orange and black.

They were up thanks to power play goals from the captain Mike Richards and birthday boy and former Duck Chris Pronger. For Richards, the goal was his league leading 6th goal, while Pronger netted his first as a Flyer with a booming slap shot from the point.

Then Teemu Selanneshowed up and runied everything by scoring two goals about six minutes apart. His second goal came with only 16 seconds left in the game. Neither goal was really Emery's fault. The first was the result of a defensive break down, while the second came after the Flyers couldn't get the puck out of their own end thanks to the Ducks having pulled their goalie for the extra skater.

The teams played through a scoreless overtime and then came everyone's favorite circus event--- the shootout. There is absolutely nothing I'd rather watch then a team sport being decided by an individual competition. You know, just like how football games end with field goal kicking contests and the NBA has those dunk contests after the first OT period.

Oh wait... Well, I'm sure the shootout makes sense to someone, somewhere. Even if that someone is currently occupying the cell next to Dr. Hannibal Lecter. Homicial maniac or not, it still counts.

The Flyers failed to convert on their three chances in the shootout, but Selanne capped off his sorta hat trick and gave them the win. The loss drops the Flyers to 3-1-1 on the season.

Three Keys Revisited

1.) Cut down turnovers: The Flyers were successful here, for the most part. They were much more responsible with the puck, until they fell apart at the end. Still room for improvement. Push.

2.) Emery needs to shine: Emery made 31 saves on 33 chances and stopped 1 of 2 in the shootout. The goals that got by him would have gotten by most netminders in the league. He was solid and should get a huge boost of confidence from playing the way he did against one the NHL's better teams. Thumbs up.

3.) Shut down the RGP Line: This one was a bit tough. Ducks head coach Randy Carlisle mixed his lines up throughout the game, especially late. Selanne scored all of the Ducks goals, but RPG line members Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry each picked up an assist in the contest. Getzlaf and Bobby Ryan were both +2 for the night. At best, this one was also a push.

Player of the Game: Chris Pronger (1 goal, 31:17 TOI, -1, 2 SOG)
Next Game: Friday, Oct. 16 at Florida Panthers (1-3-0). Game time is 7:30 p.m.