Photo Credit: Kyle Ross – USA TODAY Sports
After losing to the San Jose Sharks last week the Philadelphia Flyers found themselves in a tough position early in the season. Not only did they lose to the winless Sharks but, they were amidst a stretch of four losses in the previous five games.
In many of these losses the Flyers outplayed or matched their opponents when taking puck possession and shots on net into consideration. Specifically, in outings against the Buffalo Sabres and Carolina Hurricanes.Â
Such results could have allowed frustration to creep in for players on the roster. However, the team managed to rebound on the back half of their recent western road trip.
The Flyers earned four out of six points with the wins they secured over the Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Kings. In these games the team showed certain tendencies that have been factors in prior wins this season. Such as, clean defensive zone exits, quick transition plays up ice, and the creation of scoring opportunities on the rush.
It will be interesting to see if the Flyers can continue their recent play and execute their systems effectively in the next two matchups taking on the Carolina Hurricanes and Vegas Golden Knights.Â
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These upcoming tilts can certainly be classified as measuring stick games in relation to how this Flyers team performs against top tier opponents.
Philadelphia has already put forth strong showings when they played the Knights and Hurricanes earlier this season (3-2 losses in both matchups). If they do manage to perform similarly to their last matchup taking on the Kings it will be an impressive three game sequence.
A run of three wins against the Kings, Hurricanes and Knights would further cement that the Flyers sixth overall expected goals percentage rating of 54.5% (as per Moneypuck.com) is not just a team playing well beyond their capabilities to begin an NHL season.
Gettin Gritty Wit It:
The boys are back for episode 188 of the Gettin Gritty Wit It podcast. This week Yariv and Vasili discussed the topics below and more:
- Ristolainen and Staal are skating, possible returns soon?
- Flyers western road trip recap
- Sanheim’s playing like a top pair defenseman
- Walker has surprised
- Frost and Tippett are heating up?
- Carter Hart should be back soon
- Zamula and Brink scratched
- Tyson Foerster scoring drought
- Power-Play struggles
- Phantoms update
- Prospect update
Thanks for listening, reading and supporting.
Have a great week everyone!
