Risto to Rescue; Cutter Gauthier Shines
The Philadelphia Flyers have won back-to-back wins for the first time in nearly two months, and defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen was a big part of Saturday’s latest win.
Ristolainen blocked six shots, had four hits and added an assist on Noah Cates’ shorthanded game-winning goals as the Flyers rallied to the Kings, 4-2, in Los Angeles.
The 6-foot-4, 221-pound Ristolainen, who was plus-1 in the win, has played better since being dropped from the No. 1 duo.
John Tortorella wasn’t talking about Ristolainen specifically, but he was one of the players who matched the coach’s post-match assessment.
“We are playing hard,” he said. “We may not do the right things at times and have difficulties here and there. But we play hard. And I think if you keep doing that, you’ll find a way to get results.
The Flyers (13-17-7) will go for a third straight win when they play Monday at Anaheim (10-23-4). Only Chicago (8-23-4) has fewer points than the Ducks.
Philly hasn’t won three in a row since the start of the season with victories over New Jersey, Vancouver and Tampa Bay.
Stars and fireworks for NYE. ⭐️ 🎆 #PHIvsLAK | @Toyota pic.twitter.com/LPKgL80yQA
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) January 1, 2023
Cates’ Big Night
Cates (two points) ended a 20-game scoreless drought with his shorthanded goal, which broke a 2-2 tie with 6:59 left.
He is the only NHL rookie with a shorthanded goal this season.
According to NHL stats, Cates is just the fifth rookie in franchise history to record his first career SHG as a winner. Others; Matt Read in 2011, Dave Poulin in 1983 and Jim Johnson and Dick Cherry in 1969.
The Flyers are tied for the NHL lead with seven shorthanded goals this season. They have five shorties in their last six games.
Gauthier, USA roller
Flyers prospect Cutter Gauyjier had one assist, five shots and a plus-4 differential on Saturday as Team USA beat Finland 6-2 at the World Juniors.
Jimmy Snuggerud, drafted in the first round (23rd overall) by St. Louis in July, had four points as the Americans won Group B. The United States will face Germany in the quarterfinals on Monday.
breakaways
Defenseman Cam York has five assists in his last six games. … Tony DeAngelo has a four-point strike, picking up eight points (3-5) in that span. … James van Riemsdyk, who has increased his trade value, has 10 points (3-7) in his last nine games. … Owen Tippett leads the Flyers with four power-play goals. Overall, he ranks second in the team with 12 goals, behind only Travis Konecny (18).
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