The Flyers hosted the Carolina Hurricanes in a Metropolitan Division showdown Tuesday night. The Hurricanes come out flying, putting 14 shots on Flyer’s goalie Carter Hart, who was phenomenal. The Flyers weathered a first-period storm surge and won the game 4-1. Here are a few takeaways and observations from the Flyers’ win.
Matt Niskanen is the Flyers best blueliner
On Sunday night, Ivan Provorov showed that he can be an elite defender for the Orange and Black. He had his best game of the season scoring a goal and an assist versus the Toronto Maple Leafs. However, he did not back that performance up on Tuesday night. As Provorov struggles to find consistency in his game, Niskanen is showing the opposite.
Last night, Niskanen led all Flyers in ice time. He logged 21:26 of time on ice. Niskanen also led the Flyers’ blue-liners in hits with three and short-handed TOI at 2:34. He also had two assists.
Niskanen is showing us that Chuck Fletcher made a really good decision. Although he traded away the hard-hitting, Radko Gudas, the Flyers got more in return. I can only anticipate that Niskane’s veteran presence and leadership by example will help the younger defensemen as the season progresses. For his effort last night, he was given the team Silver Helmet award:
Is something wrong with Voracek?
Jakub Voracek is not having a great start to his season. Although he is tied for third on the roster in scoring, he just doesn’t seem to be the same player we have seen in the past. Last night was no different. His TOI was less than 19-year-old Joel Farabee. He also didn’t seem to play his style of hockey.
When Voracek is at his best, he is flying through the neutral zone. The Defense has a hard time getting him off of the puck. Whether it was something wrong with him, Alain Vigneault’s system or the Canes fast-paced game, Jake seems off. Now, that being said, Voracek is going to be a major contributor as the Flyers make a run at the playoffs. I am hoping this is just a comfort level with his new linemates. Either way, the best of Jake Voracek is still to come.
FARA-G! Flyers new dynamic duo?
Seriously if you are not excited about the prospect of these two playing together, you aren’t paying attention. Last night, Farabee was the best Flyer skater. He was noticeable on every shift and even caught the praise of his goaltender, Hart.
“I thought he played unbelievable tonight,” Hart said of Farabee. Farabee was equally impressed by the play of his net-minder. Farabee had one heck of a shift late in the third period. In the defensive zone, he was able to disrupt a cross-ice pass that was sure to be a goal. He then followed that fine play up with this goal:
Giroux being paired with Farabee has been great. Giroux had another multi-point game, getting an assist on Farabee’s second goal, but there is much more going on. You can see the chemistry brewing. Farabee has been really good on the forecheck and is creating turnovers in the offensive zone. This is really going to turn into points as the year goes along. I get it it has been only one game, but together they have been noticeable on the ice together.
Lastly, Carter Hart is BACK!!!!!!!
Mandatory Photo Credit: AP Photo/Matt Slocum
