Photo Credit: FNG’s Rob Windfelder
Tonight the Philadelphia Flyers will put their 4 game winning streak on the line against arguably one of the best teams in the NHL. The Flyers have been enjoying a bit of a resurgence after getting back several key players who were out due to injury. Their young squad was asked to step way up during the months when the line-up was debilitated. The guys who remained available got a unique chance to log ice time in situations that possibly would have been reserved for the more experienced players.
The team did its best not to rely on the endless string of injuries as a nightly excuse but in hindsight it was a gigantic factor for most of the first half of the season. Many veterans are now back, the young guys have their accelerated experience, and everything has been coming together for the Flyers over the past couple weeks. Fans are wondering how much impact the quality of the teams they have been facing is is a factor in their recent success. We are set to find out the answer to that question tonight when the Toronto Maple Leafs come to town.
The Leafs at 24-9-7 are currently sitting in 2nd place in the Atlantic Division behind the red hot Boston Bruins. Their line-up is full of recognizable hockey names. William Nylander, Auston Mathews, Mitch Marner, John Tavares are all names that we know, and we know them for a reason. The Leafs are nothing to sneeze at. Addressing the press during the morning skate today Head Coach John Tortorella made it known that he does not plan on altering his team’s approach based on the Leafs talented line-up. He expressed that it is not about size it is about positioning and his team has found success rolling all four lines and not throwing off the rotation by focusing on certain matchups. Downstairs on the ice the Flyers were working on side to side drills with their goaltenders who may be in for a busy night.
Tortorella spent time talking about the defense but not all about them playing defensively. He wants defense to be their main focus “first things first” but he is looking for them to be part of the offense as well. He wants them moving the puck out of their zone as quickly as possible so that they can join the rush and contribute to the scoring. This aggressive mentality has been part of his game plan even when his team is on the penalty kill. It is part of the coach’s job to be a little evasive with questions, not give too much away, and not say too much to puff up the other team. It is the hockey writer’s job to call out the obvious. The Leafs are no joke and tonight will be a real test for the Flyers and their newfound confidence and success.
Extra Credit: Earlier this season Coach Tortorella drew some attention by comparing one of his players to a toilet seat. Now you hear some people focusing on the draft already and talking about their desire for the team to tank. What’s next, an in depth conversation about the pros and cons of jiggling the handle?
