Quick Hits: May 23, 2021
1) IIHF World Championships: One day after logging a massive 36:34 of ice time and recording the game-winning assist in Russia's 4-3 regulation win over the Czech Republic on Friday, Flyers defenseman played 24:09 the next day in Russia's 7-1 blowout victory over Great Britain. The Russians return to action on Monday against Slovakia.
Flyers goaltender Samuel Ersson is dressed as the back up today against Belarus. Adam Reideborn (Ak Bars Kazan, KHL) is the starter.
2) Today in Flyers History: May 23, 1997
The Flyers took a three games to one lead in the 1997 Eastern Conference Final with a 3-2 win over the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. On the backhand from the left circle, Eric Lindros scored on the power play with seven seconds left on the regulation clock to win the game at the end of a seesaw third period.
Mikael Renberg's first period power play goal stood as the game's only tally for two-plus periods until a shorthanded goal by Esa Tikkanen knotted the score early in the third period tied the game at 1-1. With 3:13 remaining in regulation John Druce scored shorthanded to put the Flyers ahead again, 2-1. Brian Leetch re-tied the score with 2:08 left on the clock. Jeff Beukeboom was tagged with a high-sticking double minor at 18:25, setting the stage for Lindros' dramatic game winner.
May 23: Happy 92nd birthday to Vic Stasiuk; the last still-living link to the @NHLFlyers original hockey ops personnel. The Quebec Aces coach later became the Flyers' 2nd coach after inaugural coach Keith Allen replaced Bud Poile as GM. pic.twitter.com/Z1O21aW7r6
— Bill Meltzer (@billmeltzer) May 23, 2021