Welp. Could be the only thing worse than the Flyers losing to the Bruins is them losing to the Bruins in overtime, especially when getting the loser point seems inconsequential. An OT loss, as any hockey fan knows, is just like a sucker punch to the gut: unexpected, and it completely knocks the wind out of you.
The officiating has been killing the Flyers lately. I understand that they need to score more even strength goals and that it is their fault they are in this position so late in the season given their failure to beat lesser teams, but still:
Yesterday, the Bruins were on a power play at the end of all three periods, leading to both of their goals in regulation. So during both intermissions, the Flyers had to focus on the penalty kill, rather than the attack, which fundamentally changes the players' mentality, focus, and momentum.
Worse was the call on March 3 against the Flames when Nick Schultz's goal was disallowed after being called a goal on the ice. After the officials huddled and reversed the call, Toronto deemed the play unreviewable. Huh?
If that hadn't happened, the Flyers likely would have picked up 2 points. And, if they held on for another 14 seconds yesterday after the highly questionable tripping call on Wayne Simmonds, they would have picked up another 2, and today would have all but closed the gap on a wild card spot.
That penalty call against Simmonds, in such a critical game, and after the Bruins already had 3 power plays to the Flyers 2? Officiating (make that bad officiating) does make a difference.
P.S. Does anyone else think Dougie is a silly name for an adult professional hockey player? Just sayin'.
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