Date Published: 1-16-2023
Photo Credit: Jill Rice
The Flyers are one of the hottest teams in the NHL, yes the entire NHL as they are now 7-1 in their past eight games. It’s really remarkable that they sit six points out of the last wild card spot currently held by the New York Islanders (The Flyers have a game in hand), especially after enduring another 10 plus losing streak. The way this team has rallied behind each other is something special. They are really building a unique culture, and it’s a breath of fresh air in Philadelphia for once.
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After researching through stats this past weekend, the Flyers are tied for first in the NHL in wins since December 29, 2022, and are tied for third in goals, as well. The Flyers have scored first in three straight games and in four of their last six games. They are also tied for first in the NHL with four wins when scoring first since January 2, 2023. The orange and black also are tied for first in the league with 11 wins when trailing first in a game this season. Not to mention they are 13-0-1 on the season when they are ahead after the second period.
Coming from behind is part of their identity or DNA sort of speak. They come from behind against a lot of teams on most nights, as they have that never say die attitude. That’s the difference with this 2022-23 Flyers team, as opposed to the teams of the past few seasons. If the Flyers would have trailed by two or more goals in 2021-22 the team would have crumbled and the flood gates would have opened. Not this team though, they fight and claw their way back in it. It’s called the Torts effect.
Flyers Head Coach John Tortorella just wants them to play hard and compete:
“Grinding, Allie’s goal was a big goal. Not one particular thing. I think we played well as a team.” – John Tortorella said after the victory on Saturday night against the Caps
Tortorella will admit when they play well, but he just wants to see effort. If the Flyers want to continue to win or prove to their fans that they are indeed a different team this year, then they need to continue with fast starts. It wears players down as the season progresses with continuously coming from behind, especially if the Flyers want to make an extended playoff run. Flyers fans know all too well of teams in the past being worn down as the playoffs near, thus leading to an all familiar early playoff exit.
The Flyers face a tough team in the Boston Bruins today at 1pm, so this is a good test to see exactly how much they have improved as a team after the past month or so. Boston is a very good team, but hopefully the Flyers can hang with them.
