The Flyers came into yesterday’s game against the Montreal Canadiens (Habs) playing spirited hockey, not perfect hockey, but spirited hockey. This propelled this young Flyers team to an undefeated record of 4-0 in the playoffs, at least until the conclusion of game 2.
Everything that could go wrong in game 2 went wrong. The Flyers got pummeled in every facet of the game, Travis Konecny had to leave the game with a possible ankle injury after blocking a shot (No update or word will be given on his status for tomorrow’s game), the Power Play continued to be abysmal (0-5 on the afternoon), and the Flyers got shutout and embarrassed 5-0.
With the highs a team encounters some lows. How do the Flyers fix things and win tomorrow against the Habs? Well, they have to get back to the basics of playing simple hockey by establishing a net front presence. I specifically asked Konecny this question following practice a few weeks ago about establishing a net front presence, “It’s something we are working on. We have to get back to that,” Konecny said.
This is the biggest key to the game tomorrow night. A world-class Goaltender in Carey Price will make save after save if he is able to see the puck. For instance, take yesterday’s game for example. Ivan Provorov registered three blasts from the point on a single Power Play in the third period. Price gobbled them up like it was nothing, as no one was in front of the net trying to restrict Price’s vision. It does not matter how fast the shot is, Price is one of the best Goaltenders in the World he will make that save 9 times out of ten if he sees the puck.
“Not just Price, but goaltenders in this league, if they can see the shot, there’s a good chance they’re going to make that first save,” Flyers Head Coach Alain Vigneault said today, “There’s no doubt that we weren’t good enough in that department as far as getting to the front of their net. It’s something that our players are very aware of. I’m confident we’re going to do better tomorrow.”
James Van Riemsdyk can be frustrating at times. He makes his money by scoring 25-30 goals a year. Well, the Flyers need him to do what he does best, and go to the front of net and put the biscuit in the basket. I know this is easier said then done, and he will pay the price with a beating at times, but it’s one of the easiest ways to solve Price. Price was not challenged much yesterday, and he made those 30 saves look easy.
JvR is a major key to this series because he establishes a net front presence. Moreover, establishing a net front presence should also help the Power Play numbers. The Flyers are 1-19 with the man advantage in the playoffs, and it’s just not good enough to enjoy an extended playoff run. Fortunately, the Flyers for the most part are cycling the puck well, and getting shots on net with the man advantage. However, no one is in front of the net. JvR and Konecny have to make life difficult for Price.
With establishing a net front presence tomorrow the Flyers may enjoy a big victory. They have yet to establish a net from presence in any game for the most part in the playoffs, well now they need to more than ever. If the Flyers want to enjoy an extended playoff run, then they have to get back to the basics of owning the front if the net, as the games will only get tougher from here on out.
