Philadelphia Flyers true reason for struggle exposed vs Penguins

After getting the start for the second consecutive game, Flyers goalie Carter Hart was blitzed from the jump as the Penguins had a powerplay advantage almost immediately to start the game. Just 45 seconds into the period, the Penguins took an early lead as Rickard Rakell netted a powerplay goal to give the Penguins an early lead.

Just six minutes later the Pens increased their first period lead as Erik Karlsson scored his seventh goal of the year to give the Pens a 2-0 lead not even halfway through the first period. The Flyers were able to get on the board seven minutes later as Owen Tippett netted a powerplay goal for his 13th of the season cutting the lead to one. Slow starts have been the Flyers main issue of the season, and it's hurting them badly, being in a deficit heading into the second period seems like a common appearance as of late.

Tippett's goal would be the only offense the Flyers would get for the rest of the night as they were shut down by the Pens. The second period featured a Chad Ruhwedel goal as the Pens increased the lead to 3-1. The second period did bring some rivalry fireworks as Scott Laughton delivered a big hit on Sidney Crosby, to the delight of many Flyers fans.

A third period goal by Evgeni Malkin put the game out of reach as Malkin finished the night with a goal and an assist to lead Pittsburgh as the Pens got their first win of the season against the Flyers 4-1.

Carter Hart gave credit to the Penguins skill players and knows what the team needs to do to get better.

The Flyers are back home on Wednesday as they look to get back on track against the Montreal Canadiens at 7:00p.m. EST.