Flyers' Mason: 'You can't take 2 steps forward, then 2 steps back'
COLUMBUS, Ohio — An intercepted pass thrown by Sean Couturier led to a two-on-one that created the winning goal as Columbus handed the Flyers a 3-2 overtime loss Tuesday.
So much for the theory that the Flyers would build off the momentum gained from Saturday's 2-1 win over the defending Stanley Cup champion Los Angeles Kings.
In the decisive overtime sequence Tuesday, Couturier and Matt Read were on the ice too long, coach Craig Berube said after the Flyers' 10th defeat in their last 11 road games.
"I thought the shift was overstayed by the forwards; they stayed out there too long and just got spread out a little bit," Berube said.
The Flyers finished a 1-2-2 road trip — they were outscored, 16-10 — and they host New Jersey on Thursday to start a four-game homestand.
"It was average," Berube said of the trip, which started with a 5-2 loss to the New York Rangers and included a 2-1 win over Los Angeles. "I think we gave points away for sure….Gave points away in San Jose. Anaheim back and forth. Won in LA. Ranger game not that good, and tonight (we played) half a game."
Goalie Steve Mason said he couldn't explain why the Flyers are just 3-9-3 on the road.
"It's frustrating. You win one game, you feel good, and you go right back to that losing," he said. "Guys have to understand the importance of putting together a streak where you can actually start making ground. You can't take two steps forward and then two steps back. It won't get you anywhere. It's just too much inconsistent play and not strong enough play that's gonna win hockey games. "
Berube said he was still optimistic.
"I believe in this team, like I've told you all along," Berube said. "We're going home now, and we need to win games."
Owners of a 6-4-2 home record, the Flyers (9-13-5) are seven points out of a playoff spot.
The Flyers had a 7-5-2 overall record last month when they had a five-day break; since then, they are just 2-8-3 in their last 13 games.
The Flyers averaged 3.2 goals in their first 14 games. They have averaged just 1.9 goals in their last 13 games.
Breakaways. Former Flyer Scott Hartnell scored his first goal in the last 13 games. "I'm a Blue Jacket now, and it definitely feels nice to beat those guys," Hartnell said….Matt Read has just one goal in his last 20 games….The Flyers' second PP unit struggled, and Berube might dress Vinny Lecavalier Thursday to give it a boost —or he may give rookie Scott Laughton more PP time..R.J. Umberger has 199 career assists.