Tucker, Flyers defeat Coyotes

PHILADELPHIA (AP) – Darcy Tucker’s two first period goals paced the Flyers to a 5-2 victory over the Phoenix Coyotes.

Tucker was named the games first star with his two goals Saturday night and was a force on the ice. Playing in just over 25 minutes, Darcy was a +4 with 5 shots and just one hit. He is making an immediate impact with his new club picking up 4 points in his first 2 games (2 goals, 2 assists) and being a +5.

The game winning goal was scored by youngster Igor Grigorenko’s 3rd goal of the season on a solo effort 14:40 into the 2nd period. Alexander Steen scored his 5th of the season to
made it a 4-2 lead just 1:27 into the 3rd period and Carlo Colaiacovo scored his 2nd goal of the season late in the game to make it a 5-2 Flyers win. Martin Gerber ended the game with 17 saves on 19 shots winning his 7th game of the season.

Philadelphia had no shortage of shots in this game as they doubled the Yotes 38 to 19. Three Flyers had 5 shots (Darcy Tucker, Denis Seidenberg and Alexander Steen) and Igor Grigorenko finished the game with 4 shots.

What was most surprising from this game was the Flyers only had 3 penalties called against them with one being coincidental calls. Tough guy Georges Laraque finished with 2 assists (+2 and 2 hits) in just around 5 minutes of ice time and newly acquired Kristian Kurdoc had 1 assist finishing the game even with 4 hits and 24 minutes of ice time.

With Jay Harrison being out for the next 3 week the Flyers have acquired defencman Todd Simpson from the Chicago BlackHawks for cash. Simpson brings a solid defencive and physical game to the table and he will be replacing Eric Cairns as he was sent down to the farm system to clear up some roster space.

The Flyers next game will be against the Florida Panthers who really gave the Flyers a beating last time they met. This will be Tuckers first time against the team he started the season playing with. Philadelphia is expected to start Gerber, but that may change by game time.