The Flyers finally return home, as in the Wells Fargo Center and not Prague, for a Saturday night showdown against the 1-7-1 Dallas Stars. The first of two Philadelphia/Dallas showdowns of the weekend, the Flyers are looking to right the ship after 3 consecutive losses in western Canada.
The Flyers took 1 point out of 6 possible against Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton. The Stars have dropped their last 5 contests, being outscored 18-7 during that span. Their powerplay converted 1 of 15 chances over those 5 games as well.
The Flyers have posted 14 goals in their 5 games played to thus point, 6 coming on the man advantage. The penalty kill is still finding it’s footing, but the contest against Dallas should provide a great opportunity for the orange and black to do just that.
This game is shaping up to be a battle of youth. Roope Hintz is leading the way for the Stars with 6 points (5g, 1a). The Flyers leading scorer, Travis Konecny, has 7 points (3g, 4a) in 5 games. Miro Heiskanen has 5 points on the Dallas blueline, and Ivan Provorov has 4 points on the Flyers back end.
Tyler Seguin, Jamie Benn, and Joe Pavelski have combined for 9 points (4g, 5a) in the Stars 9 games on the year. Philadelphia’s big 3 of Sean Couturier, Claude Giroux, and Jake Voracek have combined for the same amount of points (3g, 6a). While the Flyers stars are combining for more points per game, they’re still struggling a bit individually. One of these units is sure to find their groove sooner or later, and this game would be the perfect opportunity for Giroux, Couturier , and Voracek to do just that.
Ben Bishop figures to start in net for Dallas. His last game against Columbus saw him make 32 saves on 35 shots, but take a loss for his efforts. His .899 save percentage is uncharacteristic, but we all know how capable Bishop is between the pipes.
Carter Hart will man the crease for the Flyers today. Coming off of a rough outing against the Oilers, Hart is looking to redeem himself in a big way. Hart allowed 4 goals on 14 shots against Edmonton, but is still posting a save percentage of .904. Look for Hart to bounce back against an ailing Dallas offense who hasn’t posted over 2 goals in their last 5 outings.
It’s Dallas weekend in Philadelphia, let’s start it off on the right skate!
Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
