The Philadelphia Flyers ended their week going 1-1-1, losing to Carolina before defeating Montreal at home and losing to Los Angeles in overtime on Saturday. The Flyers are not known to play well after an extended period off and it showed as they were do,instead by the Hurricanes in their first game back after the all star break. They did improve defensively as the week went on and played one of their better games against the Canadiens on Thursday, before losing to the Kings on Saturday in their second of five at home.
The Good:
With the help of better defensive play, Michal Neuvirth has played a stellar couple of games, beating Montreal on Thursday and losing in overtime against Los Angeles on Saturday. Neuvirth made some ten bell saves against the Kings that enabled the Flyers to at least get a point.
With the help of better defensive play, Michal Neuvirth has played a stellar couple of games, beating Montreal on Thursday and losing in overtime against Los Angeles on Saturday. Neuvirth made some ten bell saves against the Kings that enabled the Flyers to at least get a point.
A nice comeback against the Canadiens on Thursday after being embarrassed on Tuesday in Carolina against the Hurricanes served the team well as those fiery signs of life became apparent once again. A strong team effort and a timely third period goal gave the Flyers a much needed two points as the team continue to resurge from a mid-season slump.
The Bad:
To put it bluntly, there were some very questionable coaching decisions in the last seven days. The decision to sit both Shayne Gostisbehere and Travis Konecney has to be questioned. The Flyers already lack offensive firepower and speed, and to sit both of them in consecutive games does not make sense. Gostisbehere has not had a second year as strong as his magical rookie year, but he brings a ton of offense from the back end to a team that needs it. Konecney is one of the few Flyers forwards to put fear in the defense of other teams with his speed and creativity. Both players are not known for their defense. But they are both still young and learning. You do not learn by sitting in the press box.
To put it bluntly, there were some very questionable coaching decisions in the last seven days. The decision to sit both Shayne Gostisbehere and Travis Konecney has to be questioned. The Flyers already lack offensive firepower and speed, and to sit both of them in consecutive games does not make sense. Gostisbehere has not had a second year as strong as his magical rookie year, but he brings a ton of offense from the back end to a team that needs it. Konecney is one of the few Flyers forwards to put fear in the defense of other teams with his speed and creativity. Both players are not known for their defense. But they are both still young and learning. You do not learn by sitting in the press box.
The Ugly:
The game on Tuesday against the team formerly known as the Hartford Whalers was an absolute train wreck from start to finish. The Hurricanes completely dominated the Flyers in every aspect. The Flyers did not look like they even wanted to be there. And coming off an extended break, it’s completely unacceptable. It falls on the coaching staff and the leadership to not have a let down, especially after having won three in a row the previous week. The Flyers offense also had a rough week averaging only 1.33 goals per game in the three games this week. And when you sit two of your best offensive talents, it makes scoring goals even more of a challenge.
The game on Tuesday against the team formerly known as the Hartford Whalers was an absolute train wreck from start to finish. The Hurricanes completely dominated the Flyers in every aspect. The Flyers did not look like they even wanted to be there. And coming off an extended break, it’s completely unacceptable. It falls on the coaching staff and the leadership to not have a let down, especially after having won three in a row the previous week. The Flyers offense also had a rough week averaging only 1.33 goals per game in the three games this week. And when you sit two of your best offensive talents, it makes scoring goals even more of a challenge.
The Flyers showed some improvement in their defensive game against the Canadiens and against the Kings. They tightened up their coverage and did a better job in the neutral zone taking away the time and space. When a more conservative game is played, it also takes away the offense as evidenced by the 17 shots against the Kings. They need to absolutely tighten the strings defensively, but you still have to score to win. They simply do not create enough offense with the personnel that they put on the ice and putting Dale Weise and Brandon Manning out in overtime is head scratching. Getting a single point is not going to get them back into the playoffs. Another big week ahead as they wrap up the home stand against St. Louis, the Islanders and San Jose. Vital points again against tough opponents.
Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
