For the Flyers and the Columbus Blue Jackets, this game had been eagerly anticipated for a variety of reasons. Firstly, it marked the first game of the new season, which is always exciting.
Secondly, the Flyers were facing their former top defenseman, Ivan Provorov, who had been traded in a three-way deal to the Columbus Blue Jackets via the LA Kings.
Last but not least, the Flyers were expecting two key players to return from long-term injuries, namely Sean Couturier and Cam Atkinson. The game went quite well for the Flyers overall, with Carter Hart playing outstandingly and the team receiving quality scoring from TK, Farabee, and Atkinson himself.
As the game was winding down in the final minutes, Atkinson received a puck from a clear-out by Hart, resulting in Atkinson engaging in a foot race with his former teammate Provorov. Atkinson put on the jets and sailed right past Provy.
This was a feel-good moment for the team and, of course, Atkinson, as he had been recovering from surgery the previous year and had been out for the entire year. He had been eagerly awaiting the chance to get back on the ice and had a solid game.
