Observations from the Flyers’ loss to the Islanders in a shootout

If this was the Flyers’ last game at Nassau Coliseum, they’re probably saying “good riddance” to the place. Maybe Leon Stickle can push the plunger.

Actually, the Flyers have fared admirably this season on the road against the Islanders (1-1-2). They are the only team to win a game up there in regulation, and they’ve surely played better against the Islanders this season than they did in last year’s playoffs.

But that and $5 will get you over the Walt Whitman Bridge. The Islanders are in first place. The Flyers are on the wrong side of the playoff standings.

Here are some other observations from Thursday night’s game:

Haggs to riches. The first-period ejection of Samuel Morin was the primary reason Robert Hagg, suiting up for the first time in three weeks, easily surpassed his season high for minutes played. Hagg blocked three shots, made a sliding play on his belly to break up a 2-on-1, and started the play that led to the Flyers’ second goal with an efficient clear of the D-zone.

» READ MORE: Samuel Morin got thrown out for this? Really?

Gonna sleep well. Ice time for the Flyers defensemen on Thursday went thusly: Samuel Morin, 2:09; Shayne Gostisbehere, 20:30; Hagg, 22:03; Justin Braun, 23:35; Travis Sanheim, 25:07; and Ivan Provorov, 29:59. Those are season highs for Provorov, Braun and Hagg, and just 11 seconds shy of the most Sanheim has played in a game this year.

Killing time. The Flyers killed off a 5-minute power play in the first period when Morin was flagged for boarding (and given a game misconduct) and a hooking call on Kevin Hayes at the end of the overtime to give themselves a chance to go to a shootout. The Islanders had five shots on goal in nearly 9 minutes with the PP; the Flyers had four shots on goal and at least two other chances while down a man. Alas, the Flyers and the last-place Red Wings (Central Division) remain the only two teams in the league without a shorthanded goal.

Another slow start. Even if they were on fluke plays, the Islanders scored the first two goals, as the Flyers once again fell behind early. In their last 13 games, they have trailed after the first period 10 times and been tied three times. They are -22 in the first period since March 4.

So what’s next? Afternoon home games Saturday against Boston and Sunday against Buffalo, and Monday is the trade deadline. Prediction here is they become sellers and get a decent draft pick for Scott Laughton. He’s an unrestricted free agent after this season who’d be a fine addition to a contending team. If the Sabres can get a third and a fifth for 36-year-old Eric Staal, the Flyers should be able to get at least a third for 26-year-old Laughton. Would hate to see him go, but that’s the business.

He said it. “We played well. But if you play well, you have to find ways to win games. ... Lately, every time we’ve played good, we just can’t find that extra goal or make that difference-making play to get us two points for the game. There’s not much time left. We have to fight on Saturday.” — Jake Voracek, who took over the team scoring lead with his 32nd point. Voracek has two goals and eight assists in the last eight games.