Why Can't the Philadelphia Flyers Play the First Period?

Why can't the Philadelphia Flyers play the first period of a hockey game? Consider this recent history.

On March 18, the Flyers fell behind the Penguins 2-0 after two periods, then came back to win in OT.

On March 20, the Flyers fell behind the Panthers 1-0 after the first period and lost the game.

On March 22, the Flyers fell behind the Caps 1-0 after the first period, then came back to win in a shoot-out.

On March 31, the Flyers fell behind the Senators 3-0 after the first period, stormed back to tie the score in the second period, then lost the game in a shoot-out.

Today, the Flyers fell behind the Penguins again 2-0 in the first period, then stormed back to win a convincing victory. The Pittsburgh coach Dan Bylsma got so frustrated with the comeback that he instigated a brawl with two minutes left in the game.

So what is the Flyers problem in the first period?

Do they not do proper pre-game warmups?

Is the coach or captain not giving a motivational pre-game pep talk?

Are they playing some kind of rope-a-dope game, trying to lull the opponents to sleep?

Is the goalie not ready at the start of the game?

Do they need to put urns of coffee or Red Bull in the locker room?

Look, I am as happy as anyone else with the second consecutive win over the Pens, but these slow starts are starting to drive me nuts. What do you think the problem is? How can the team fix this problem before the playoffs start?

Post a comment and share your thoughts. Thanks.

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