Photo Credit: Amedeo Grassia
After a few days off, the Flyers were back in action at home against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Maple Leafs bring with them a familiar face, Philly’s beloved Wayne Simmonds. The game was more than just a “Welcome Home”, it was a game where two teams were very close in points. The Flyers did not show much as they lost 3-0. Few things certainly stick out to me, let’s get into it.
No “Power” to this power play…at all
I am just going to continue to sound like i’ am on repeat, but maybe people will finally understand. The power play is awful, there is just no easy way to put it. Another night where they go 0-4 with the man advantage. The special teams of late have been pitiful, and change is needed. I believe Cam Atkinson needs to go back to the second line of the PP. He brings a shooter’s mentality to the unit. I am not a coach, but I have played the game for almost two decades. The power play is the difference between a dominant record and a decent record.
“There were some adjustments that we tried to make in-game tonight on our power play. They didn’t work out. We’ll take the time here to analyze a few things.” – Flyers Head Coach Alain Vigneault said
Braun > Sanheim- It’s been proven
Travis Sanheim has struggled this year. He is listed as an “offensive defenseman”. Well, I am waiting for that offense to start. Tonight, he racked up 22:35, a -1, two shots, a hit, and a blocked shot. Decent numbers, I guess, not the numbers he is being paid for. Justin Braun, on the other hand is having one of his best years yet. It helps to play with a young Ivan Provorov, but he has really come into his own as a solid defenseman. Tonight, he registered 17:41 of ice time, a -2, and a team high seven blocked shots. Braun really playing at a high level right now without the services of Ryan Ellis.
The Wayne Train Returns
After a few seasons, Wayne Simmonds made his return back to Philadelphia. Wayne Simmonds is still beloved here in Philly, and it’s obvious. Simmonds racked up one shot, three hits, and 12:48 of ice time. Best of luck the rest of the way Simmer.
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At the end of the day there was no love lost after losing to Simmonds, “We’re chasing the game,” Sean Couturier said following the game. “It was tight out there, not really much both ways. We gotta find a way to win those games.”
That’s my story and I’m sticking to it!
