After losing Ersson early, Flyers get shut out by Bruins originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
The Flyers lost their No. 1 goaltender and mini winning streak Saturday afternoon in a 3-0 blanking to the Bruins at the Wells Fargo Center.
Samuel Ersson exited 7:36 minutes into the first period with a lower-body injury. Boston seized a 1-0 lead a little under six minutes later and John Tortorella’s club trailed the rest of the way.
The Flyers (4-7-1) came in having won consecutive games for the first time this season and three of their last four.
But losing Ersson as early as they did felt like an awfully ominous sign for the day.
“I think right now we’re struggling to really create some sustained offense,” Sean Couturier said. “We’re getting chances, but a lot of one-and-dones. We’ve got to find a way to get another gear here in our game.”
The Bruins (5-6-1) got some revenge on the Flyers, who shut them out, 2-0, four days ago in Boston.
Jim Montgomery’s team had lost its prior two games by a combined score of 10-2.
• Ersson made eight saves before departing. The Flyers could be in serious trouble if the 25-year-old is to miss any extended period of time. Their backups are two rookies with a combined five starts of NHL experience.
“Let’s face it, we have a goaltending situation,” Tortorella said over a week ago.
Aleksei Kolosov, a 22-year-old from Belarus, denied 20 of 22 shots in relief. The Flyers were slow to get back on the Bruins’ 2-0 goal in the second period. Justin Brazeau blasted a shot off a feed from Brad Marchand.
Boston’s third goal was an empty-netter.
In late September, it was uncertain if Kolosov was going to report to training camp. Now, he could be the guy if Ersson needs time.
“He has got some personality to his game,” Tortorella said of Kolosov. “He fights.”
Bruins netminder Joonas Korpisalo stopped all 20 of the Flyers’ shots.
In the second period, Morgan Frost was denied in close and Bobby Brink rung iron. The Flyers couldn’t generate much in the third period.
“It’s frustrating for everyone obviously,” Frost said. “I think we’re more defense-oriented, but it’s hard to win games when you’re only scoring one goal or two goals or none. I think just capitalize on the chances and maybe try to get some more traffic in front of the goalie.”
Offense has been a concern. The Flyers have scored four goals (one an empty-netter) over their last three games and entered with 2.73 per game on the season.
“Sometimes it goes like this, but the moment you…