Flyers 4, Blackhawks 1
1 Dish best served cold — Yes, the Flyers’ 4-1 win exacted a bit of revenge on the Blackhawks, the team that ended their Cinderella run through the Stanley Cup playoffs last year. Jeff Carter’s two goals (plus an assist) ensured victory — more importantly, he helped give Chicago its first defeat since Jan. 5. Meanwhile, the Flyers’ 69 points is tops in the NHL and they hold a five-point lead over Pittsburgh in the Eastern Conference.
2 Welcome back, tough guy — Flyers tough guy Dan Carcillo — active for the first time since Jan. 11 — made his presence felt in the second period. The fiery instigator exchanged a few cross-checks with Chicago’s Jake Dowell, then the two came to blows. Carcillo technically won the fight but maybe not the war, as he left the ice with blood pouring down his face. Carcillo needed stitches, but he returned later in the period.
3 What about Bob? — Sergei Bobrovsky continues to impress in net. The rookie goaltender turned away 30 Blackhawk shots, including 11 in a frenetic first period.
Bobrovsky, nicknamed “Bob” by the Flyers faithful, nearly had his first career shutout — until Marian Hossa scored on a penalty shot midway through the third period. It marked the sixth time this season Bobrovsky had a shutout broken up in the final 20 minutes. The Flyers are one of only two NHL teams to not record a shutout this season.
