End of a Streak

Vancouver Canucks v Philadelphia Flyers
December 2, 1996

Core States Center, Sec 221 Row 3

First year in the new Core States Center. It was still a novelty. The vantage point to the ice is much further then the old Spectrum. But it is still too new and early to wax poetic for the legendary Spectrum.

Most notable take away from this game was an injury to Vancouver's Trevor Linden. He played from October 4, 1990 in 482 consecutive games, the longest in the league at the time. He left this game with an injury which would put an end to his streak.

Nothing like a 1st minute penalty to start a game. The Flyers Eric Lindros was flagged for a high sticking at the 0:27 mark of the first. Dan Kordic and Vancouver's Gino Odjick squared off in the first with the Flyers Donald Brascher getting involved in the tussle. Dispite 11 shots on goal, the Flyers were unable to light the lamp in the opening period.

The Canucks Martin Gelinas scored the game's first goal. The Flyers Rod Brind'Amour tied it up 2 minutes later

The floodgates opened in the 3rd. Eric Desjardins scored a power play goal with feeds off of Eric Lindros and John LeClair in the opening minute of the final period. Russ Courtnall responded for Vancouver quickly to knot the game up at 2-2. John LeClair scored his 14th of the year at the 4:39 mark. In a see saw fashion, Vancouver scored next to tie the game up again.

The Flyers Scott Daniel got the game winning goal with a feed off of Kevin Haller and Rod Brind'Amour. Ron Hextall got the win in this 4-3 win with Vancouver's net minder Cory Hirsch suffering the loss.

19,068 were on hand.

The Flyers did reach the Finals this season even with star Eric Lindos missing 30 games. John LeClair scored 50 goals in the 96-97 season.