In a new series by Philly Sports Network, we will be looking at how each guy on the Flyers’ roster fairs against the round robin and qualifying teams. Each player will be evaluated based on their points per game, as well as other factors such as average time on ice and special teams production. We will be doing this by the order of the standings. With this said, first up is the official President’s Trophy winning Boston Bruins.
Number 5 – Carter Hart
Carter Hart is obviously very young, but his maturity is beyond his age. Since he came into the league, the Boston Bruins have been a force to be reckoned with. Despite their dominance, Hart has given the Flyers a significant edge in the win column. In five appearances, Hart has gone 4-1-0. In said games, the 21-year-old has an impressive 2.71 goals against average. Saving 141 of 155 shots he has faced, his small sample size only shows what is to come for the youngster. Not only does this prove his ability to play in bg games, but it shows he is able to win them as well.
Number 4 – Travis Sanheim
This one may come as a surprise to some, however Travis Sanehim has proven to put up points in nearly every contest against Boston. Sanheim has only played eight games in his career against the B’s, but he has accumulated three goals and two assists. Not only has he played nearly 20 minutes a night against them, he has a +2 rating against their high powered offense. Sanheim, like Hart, has shown to be able to play, and play well, on the big stage. While the Flyers are fighting for a better seed in the round robin tournament, Travis Sanheim could provide them with the offensive defenseman spark that they need to beat Boston, if it comes down to it.
Number 3 – James van Riemsdyk
Now, these next three shouldn’t come as a surprise. James van Riemsdyk, having played 36 career games against Boston, has shown to be a key contributor. Despite his lackluster performance in comparison to his contract, JVR has proven to be able to play against the big boys as well. His 0.72 points per game (26 points in 36 games) is impressive and all, however his 14 goals is what stands out. JVR’s 14 goals against Boston leads all current Flyers. While playing for a team who constantly feels like they need a natural goal scorer, van Riemsdyk should be relied upon to fill that role in any matchup or series against the Bruins.
Number 2 – Claude Giroux
Despite probably being the most consistent player against Boston year after year, the captain actually has not produced the most against them. In his career, G has 29 points in 39 games. Five of his 10 goals have come on the power play, which give the Flyers a nice, reliable option while a man up. Claude Giroux has averaged the most minutes of any forward against Boston, sitting a few seconds ahead of Michael Raffl. Giroux has obviously been one of the top Flyers against nearly every team in the league, and Boston is no different. Hopefully, he can continue to feed assists to JVR and Konecny to add to his 19 career against Boston.
Number 1 – Jake Voracek
Jake Voracek has absolutely owned Boston during his career. In 31 games, Voracek has scored a mere six goals. However, he brings his point total to 27 due to his 21 helpers. Two of his six goals have come on the power play, giving the Flyers another good veteran option while being a man up. Playing in just over 18 minutes per game and producing nearly a point per game, Voracek clocks in as the top Flyer against the almighty Boston Bruins. Along with Giroux and JVR, the orange and black will be relying heavily on these guys in order to get them to a higher seed heading into the playoffs.
Mandatory Credit – © Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
