The Flyers are searching for more consistency. From a ten game losing streak, to a six game winning streak. From a five game losing streak, to winning the next game. There are multiple reasons for their inconsistencies. A leaky defense, failure to finish their scoring chances, but most notably their bad power play. It might be a tough stretch with some playoff caliber teams, but they have to find a way to close out games with a full 60 minute complete team effort.
Back in mid January to early February the Flyers once rock solid power play was ranked 6th in the league. Now their power play is currently ranked 18th best in the NHL, with a power play percentage of 20.1%. Unfortunately, the orange and black’s once lethal power play is almost non-existent. It feels like the Flyers are going to the, “Peco Power,” outage, as opposed to the power play.
One solution to the horrid power play is getting back to the basics. The basics being…shoot the biscuit at the net. They won’t score if players fail to take the open shot. Yes, the defense may be in the shooting lanes at times. However, over the course of the past few games some players have failed to take the open shot. It’s like their trying too hard or clutching their sticks looking for the best available shot that may never be there. Anything can happen when you shoot on net…weird deflections or rebounds. Greasy goals is just one way to have a successful power play.
Before Wayne Simmonds tallied a power play goal against the Las Vegas Golden Knights this past Monday night. Their power play was 1 for its last 24 before that goal. Now it’s a staggering 2 for its last 25. The orange and black have tallied 47 power plays goals this season. If they want to have a successful playoff run, then their power play has to improve ASAP.
“The stats say 0 for 2. We actually got a big goal in this game with the extra attacker and the goalie pulled,” Head Coach Dave Hakstol stated after the win against the Winnipeg Jets on Saturday. “So yeah you can stretch it one way or another whichever you like. We had some good things on the PP tonight. On the two opportunities, the full opportunities we did have obviously we didn’t get one. We got to give other teams PK’s a little bit of credit as well. They’ve done a good job. We have full confidence in our group in our PK and our power play.”
Hopefully, the Flyers can get back to the basics while on the power play, and have a successful finish down the stretch. The orange and black’s playoff hopes may ride or die with the power play. One thing is certain Flyers fans, the future is bright in Flyer land.
Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
