How can the Flyers continue their success?

Photo Credit: James Guillory, USA TODAY Sports

After 33 games played the Philadelphia Flyers find themselves third place in the Metropolitan Division and currently in a playoff spot.

The team holds an 18-11-4 record with a total of 40 points. Since November 10th the Flyers have the best record in the NHL of 13-4-3 for a total of 29 points

With the halfway mark of the NHL season rapidly approaching the Flyers will have to continue their strong play and consistency to remain in the playoff mix moving forward.

In order to do so the Flyers strong defensive play as a five man unit will need to be at the forefront. Another facet that contributed to their success has been quick transitional play and the ability to score goals off the rush. Having a continued goal scoring presence off the rush will be vital to the Flyers success especially considering their power-play woes.

In terms of special teams it’s essentially two different outlooks for the Flyers penalty-kill and power-play. 

The penalty-kill is 5th in the NHL with an 85.7 efficiency rating. While the power-play is now officially last in the NHL with a 10.6 percent conversion rate. For their success to continue into the remainder of the NHL season special teams will be a crucial factor. 

Philadelphia’s aggressiveness on the penalty-kill and scoring prowess is certainly something that’s been crucial to the team having a top five unit in the NHL. The fact they’ve used it as a momentum builder in games has helped them establish their offensive play at five on five and contributed to their overall success.

The power-play has still been unable to produce at any consistent level despite the various different combinations the Flyers have tried. One thing they’ve yet to do in their quest to improve the power-play is quick movements, passing and volume shooting.

Another setup I’d like to see the power-play try is placing the quarterback of the unit below the goal line instead of at the blue-line. With some of the shooting talent the Flyers have utilizing slot shots from Konecny, Tippett and Foerster through a power-play being run from below the goal line may provide other shooting lanes and opportunities for these players to cash in on.

Alex Čiernik

With the Flyers beginning their four game western road trip tonight in Vancouver it will be interesting to see how the team responds after back to back losses while playing one of the best team’s in the NHL.

Gettin Gritty Wit It:

Yariv and Vasili are back for episode 194 of the Gettin Gritty Wit It podcast.

This week we discussed the topics below and more:

• Flyers past 2 games against Predators and Red Wings
• Ersson starts versus Canucks
• Goalie Controversy? 
• Tippett to the top line with Couturier and Konecny
• Will the Christmas break hurt the Flyers?
• How can the Flyers continue their success after the break?
• Jagr and Khabibulin both playing pro at 51
• Phantoms update 
• World Junior Championship update, Bonk, Gauthier.
• Russian mandate and Michkov talk

Thanks for listening! Have a great New Year everyone.