Photo Credit: Katelynn Reiss
After another disappointing loss to the Edmonton Oilers, the Flyers are now 1-5-2 in their last eight games. They haven’t won back-to-back games since February 1, 2022, and now have been shutout five times on the season.
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With the team already enduring a 10 and a 13 game losing streak, to include a head coach being dismissed this season their recent stretch of losses can be considered as more of the same lackadaisical play. However, that is not the case as they are playing better here as of late with no wins to show for it. They have been giving full effort, and even are outshooting opponents, for instance, last night against the Edmonton Oilers, the Flyers fired 39 shots on net to the Oilers 30. Unfortunately, the truth be told losing is infectious, and the Flyers appear to not be talented enough against other teams.
At times, the Flyers do not support each other very well, which leads to more zone time for their opponents. They are hemmed in their own zone for stretches at a time, which causes the belief that the Flyers are not playing well. However, when this occurs the Flyers lean towards their 22-year-old netminder Carter Hart, most notably in a 2-1 victory against the Washington Capitals this past Saturday.
Hart has had a tremendous back bounce season considering the level of play in front of him on a regular basis. He has bailed the Flyers out time and time again, saved their bacon, and on most occasions is the sole reason the Flyers are in many games. Hart’s numbers do not do him justice, while he sports a 10-17-6 record, with a .912 Save Percentage, and a 2.87 GAA. At times he makes great save after great save, keeping the Flyers within striking distance to obtain a victory.
In a season clearly highlighting the Flyers non-successes, Hart is a bright spot for the Flyers this season, a season that has been otherwise dark and gloomy. It’s unfortunate the Flyers are getting this type of goaltending from Hart and Jones with nothing to show for it. Hart alone has registered a .949 Save Percentage in his last two starts, what more does or can he do? Let’s hope he continues his success the rest of the season.
