Travis Konecny ended the Flyers’ season-worst six-game losing streak with a statement performance in Las Vegas, torching the league’s hottest team for both goals in a 2-1 upset.
At a Glance
- Konecny scored twice, including a shorthanded breakaway winner, to beat the Golden Knights
- The victory halts Philadelphia’s six-game slide and denies Vegas an eighth straight win
- The 28-year-old winger now has 17 goals and 26 assists through 47 games
- Why it matters: The Flyers sit three points behind Pittsburgh for the final Metropolitan playoff spot with Konecny delivering clutch performances
The Flyers entered Monday night mired in their longest slump of the year, while Vegas arrived on a seven-game heater. Konecny flipped the script, striking first in the opening frame and burying a shorthanded breakaway midway through the third period to secure the 2-1 decision.
Konecny’s Early Strike Sets Tone
Philadelphia has surrendered the first goal in 32 of 48 games, a trend that has buried the club in too many holes. Konecny changed that narrative immediately, firing the Flyers ahead 1-0 for a second consecutive contest. The quick edge allowed the visitors to play from in front, a luxury they have rarely enjoyed.
Coach Rick Tocchet noticed the winger’s determination back in September, days into training camp. Speaking to reporters, the bench boss highlighted the player’s hunger to turn the page on years of losing.
“He’s a super kid, he has got a lot of leadership qualities, he knows there’s another level of that,” Tocchet said. “And he’s tired of losing, so he’s pissed.”
Shorthanded Heroics Seal Victory
The Golden Knights tilted the ice in the third, earning a power play with the score knotted at 1-1. Konecny responded by stripping the puck at the blue line, racing in alone and slipping his 17th of the season under the goaltender for the eventual game-winner.
The shorthanded tally was the 11th the winger has scored across the last four seasons. Only Florida’s Sam Reinhart has more in that span with 13.
Playoff Push in Focus
Konecny’s exploits have translated to the standings when it matters most. In his 11 multi-point efforts this season, the Flyers own a sparkling 10-1-0 record. His current pace projects a second straight campaign above the 70-point plateau, yet personal milestones rank low on his priority list.
Philadelphia has missed the playoffs five consecutive seasons. The alternate captain, skating in his 10th year with the only NHL organization he has known, has tasted postseason hockey just twice. Sitting three points behind the Penguins for third place in a crowded Metropolitan Division, every point carries weight.
Leadership by Example
Tocchet, acquired to accelerate a rebuild, sees a cornerstone in his top winger. The coach praised the player’s buy-in, noting a relentless work ethic that sets the practice tempo for teammates.
“He knows there’s a process of getting there,” Tocchet said in September. “He has bought in, he has worked extremely hard in practice. You can tell that he’s setting a pace. … He’s a big part of this.”
Key Takeaways
- Konecny’s two-goal breakout halted Philadelphia’s longest skid of the year
- The victory keeps the Flyers within striking distance of a wild-card berth
- His league-leading shorthanded production continues to tilt tight games
- Coach and teammates see a veteran embracing the pressure of a playoff chase
