Philadelphia enters today’s game coming off a 4-3 loss to the Devils Thursday. The Flyers have lost 3 straight and look to end that stretch against a struggling Senators team.
Ottawa enters today’s game coming off a 2-1 OT win over the Ducks Thursday. The Senators ended a 6-game losing streak with the win Thursday. They look to build off the win and put a poor month of January, 3-7-1, behind them.
Flyers Lineup (Projected 2/2)
Giroux – Couturier – Konecny
Voracek – Patrick – Simmonds
Weal – Laughton – Raffl
Leier – Filppula – Lehtera
Provorov – Gostisbehere
Hagg – MacDonald
Manning – Gudas
Neuvirth / Lyon
Streaking The Wrong Way
For the 1st time this season, the Flyers have lost 3 straight games in regulation. I know, that may come as a shock because the Flyers lost 10 straight earlier this season. However, they lost 5 in regulation and 5 in OT / SO.
But, these past few games could be closely related to the games that started the losing streak.
When the Flyers went on their 10 game losing streak, they were playing really good hockey. However, at the beginning of the losing streak, they lost games after having leads in games.
During the losing streak, the Flyers lost 3 games after blowing a 2-goal lead. They blew a 2-goal lead to Washington on Wednesday. The Flyers also blew 6 3rd period leads during the streak. They blew a 3rd period lead to the Devils on Thursday.
Hopefully, these trends don’t continue and send the Flyers into a downward spiral. The Flyers have worked too hard to fight back from a rough stretch earlier in the season to throw it all away again.
Flyers Need Elliott Back Bad
In 3 games since Brian Elliott was placed on IR, the Flyers are 0-3-0 and the goalies have struggled.
First, against Tampa, Michal Neuvirth gave up 5 goals on 22 shots. Second, against Washington, Michal Neuvirth gave up 5 goals on 25 shots. Finally, against New Jersey, Alex Lyon gave up 6 goals on 22 shots.
With these struggles, the Flyers are looking for answers and need them fast. Surprisingly, the Flyers have not had issues with goaltending this year. However, with their #1 on the shelf, the goaltending has suddenly become an issue.
If Brian Elliott is going to be out long-term, the Flyers may be in some trouble. If that is the case, Ron Hextall may have to make a trade to bring in another NHL veteran goalie to stabilize the team until Elliott returns.
Playoffs Get Even Tighter
With the Flyers losing 3 straight, the playoff picture has gotten a whole lot tighter than it was a week ago. Just a week ago, the Flyers held a 3 point buffer with a game in hand. Today, they sit tied for the final playoff spot and just 1 point out of the last spot in the Metro.
This recent stretch has brought back tense times for the Flyers. If the Flyers continue this trend, they will be behind real fast.
The real saddening point to this would be a trade that the Flyers would hate to make. But, might have to do to get the best return. If the Flyers fall out of contention, look for Wayne Simmonds name to be brought up in trade rumors.
Game 52 : Flyers vs Senators, Philadelphia PA, NBCSports Philadelphia 1:00pm
Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
