Late Goal Lifts Flyers: Philadelphia Flyers Win on Late Jeff Carter Goal

Sergei Bobrovsky won his second NHL game in his second career start, and defenseman Chris Pronger made his season debut, logging over 20 minutes of ice team in his first game back since offseason knee surgery.

The presentation before the home opener for the Philadelphia Flyers against the Colorado Avalanche was highlighted by the unveiling of the 2009-2010 Eastern Conference Championship banner hanging in the rafters of the Wells Fargo Center. 

The unveiling came after the introduction of the 2010-2011 Philadelphia Flyers coaches and players, which were received with loud ovations. 

The most touching moment of the opening ceremony was the introduction of Flyers forward Ian Laperriere. The crowd roared when his name was called because the fans knew it could be the last time they get to cheer for him and they wanted to thank him for his service.  Laperriere is considering retiring after suffering from post-concussion symptoms from a puck to the face last season.

Claude Giroux opened the scoring in the first period against the Avalanche with an amazing backhanded goal over goalie Craig Anderson that sent shivers down my back.  Giroux has so much raw talent that if he can put it all together, he will be a bona fide star in this league.

Jeff Carter followed the Giroux goal with a fantastic breakaway goal to the same side (blocker side) with the same move as Giroux.  I will say, Giroux’s goal was the better of the two, but neither was bad!

Colorado Avalanche forward Brandon Yip scored halfway through the second period, and Avalanche staple Milan Hejduk scored 32 seconds into the third period with a quick wrister that squeezed between “The Iron Curtain” Sergei Bobrovsky’s arm and body.

With 2:38 left in the third period, Jeff Carter Broke the two-all tie with a shot that deflected off of the pads of Avalanche goalie Craig Anderson.  The shot came from a beautiful pass from Mike Richards.  Darrol Powe added an empty net goal to secure the win.

“The Iron Curtain” Sergei Bobrovsky looked good again between the pipes, and he continues to show why the Flyers have decided to ride him going into the season. 

In Bobrovsky’s first two NHL games he has two wins, a 2.00 goals against average, and a .931 save percentage.  Since he can’t read or speak English, he must not be aware of the pressure that Philadelphia tends to put on our goaltenders.

Bobrovsky was also happy to see No. 20 skating in front of him in his first game in Philadelphia. 

Future Hall-of-Famer Chris Pronger’s presence is something that can’t be measured.  He will make Bobrovsky look better, open up the offense with his takeaway ability, and he will shut down the opposing team’s best players. 

It will take him a few games to get back into the shape he needs to be in, but the Flyers have plenty of time.