Season, memorable series end for Flyers

After scoring three goals in Game 6, Wayne Simmonds was shut down in Game 7. Credit: Getty Images

After forcing a Game 7 in New York, the Flyers played a lousy second period and couldn’t come back from a two-goal deficit. They were ousted from the playoffs Wednesday in a 2-1 loss.

In every game this series, except for Tuesday’s blow out 5-2 victory, the Flyers fell behind and had to play from a hole right from the start.

This was no different.

It was fitting that Daniel Carcillo had a hand in ending the Flyers’ season, the former Philadelphia enforcer netted a goal at the start of the second period to get the Rangers ahead 1-0 after they killed a penalty. Mats Zuccarello set up Carcillo on a perfect pass and Mason didn’t have much of a chance.

Benoit Pouliot added to the Flyers misery beating the Flyers netminder with a slapshot at the 8:14 mark in the second, giving the Rangers a comfortable 2-0 lead and what would wind up as the game-winning goal.

In the third period the Flyers fought back, with a Jason Akeson struck for a goal himself less than four minutes into the final stanza to cut the New York advantage to 2-1.

It was downright remarkable that the Rangers, less than 24 hours removed from their biggest drubbing of the playoffs, were able to skate with such speed and confidence and down the Flyers in such convincing fashion.

The Flyers did generate some potent scoring tries, but Henrik Lundqvist was back to his old self, turing away 26 Flyers’ shots.

Philadelphia made a desperate effort with an extra attacked in the final minute, but couldn’t generate a tying goal.

The Rangers will continue on with their title persuit, facing the Penguins in the second round starting Friday.

What went wrong

Falling behind

The Flyers got off to a smashing start in Game 6 and it appeared their momentum would continue in Game 7 with a pretty solid first period. But the Rangers stole the momentum with two goals in Period No. 2, taking total control and forcing the Flyers to play catchup — again.

Rangers forecheck

The Flyers had no answer for New York’s forecheck, especially in the decisive second period. It’s hard to create offense for yourself when you are spending so much time in front of your own net. The Rangers created second and third chances offensively and it led to Philly’s downfall.

Another block party

The Flyers were outshot on the scoreboard, 33-27, but it was a repeat of their Game 3 loss (when the Rangers blocked 29 shots). In this one, the Flyers were turned away on 22 shots by Rangers defenders, including Ryan McDonagh with four and Dan Girardi with five.