RECAP: Philadelphia Flyers post a third straight shutout versus Buffalo Sabres

Feb 28, 2021; Buffalo, New York, USA; Philadelphia Flyers center Kevin Hayes (13) watches the puck as it goes along the glass during the first period against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

James van Riemsdyk scored and recorded an assist during Philadelphia’s three-goal second period, and Carter Hart made 28 saves for his second career shutout, as the visiting Flyers blanked the Buffalo Sabres for a third straight meeting, 3-0 on Sunday.

Sean Couturier recorded his fifth goal in eight games this season and Michael Raffl also scored for Philadelphia, which outshot the hosts 38-28 to win its third in a row while coach Alain Vigneault earned his 700th career victory.

Related: If you’re a fan of the Flyers, check out #AnytimeAnywhere rumors, rankings, and news here.

The Flyers lost 6-1 to the Sabres on Jan. 18, but since have recorded three straight 3-0 victories against Buffalo. On Saturday, Brian Elliott stopped 23 shots, but on Sunday, Hart had to do a little more work in recording his first shutout since Oct. 9, 2019, versus New Jersey.

Hart, who entered with a 4.42 road goals-against average, made a pair of diving saves in the second period and also stopped Buffalo’s Taylor Hall on a point-blank chance early in the third. Philadelphia last blanked consecutive opponents in Oct. 12 and 14, 2015.

Even with the return of star Jack Eichel from a two-game absence with a lower-body issue, Buffalo struggled again, offensively. However, the Sabres did hit the iron three times while falling to 0-5-1 in their last six home contests. Buffalo was last shut out in back-to-back games in March 2019.

After a scoreless first period, Philadelphia struck just 22 seconds into the second period. On a rebound of Joel Farabee’s shot, Couturier split two Buffalo players to tap the puck past goaltender Jonas Johansson (35 saves). It was just 75 seconds later that the Flyers made it 2-0 when Raffl deflected in Robert Hagg’s shot from the point.

Related: If you’re a fan of the Sabres, check out #LetsGoBuffalo rumors, rankings, and news here.

van Riemsdyk, who assisted on Couturier’s goal, deflected another Farabee shot nicely with the backhand and past Johansson with 4:37 left in the middle frame for his 10th goal. van Riemsdyk has scored half of those goals in the last seven games, and recorded seven points in four contests.

–Field Level Media

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