Well, that wasn’t pretty. It may only be preseason, but losing 4-2 to the Bruins in the way that they did doesn’t exactly inspire confidence around the depth that the team has to offer this season. Here is everything you need to know about the loss.
Farabee picks up where he left off
Fresh off of his six-year contract extension, Beezer wasted no time in getting back to doing what he does best – stealing the show. Scoring both of the team’s goals tonight, the 21-year-old looked just as sharp as he did during the heart of his sophomore campaign. With both goals coming on the man-advantage, Farabee made the most of every opportunity.
Joel Farabee became the second youngest Flyer of all time to lead the team in scoring (20 goals) last year and looks like he wants to top his teammates again this season.
It was also really nice to see him keep the chemistry with James Van Riemsdyk alight. The two connected on a give-and-go to open the scoring and JVR almost picked up a second assist during the second period. Expect to see plenty of flair between the two during the upcoming season.
Special teams aren’t so special
After such a torrid season of special teams play last year, AV has placed a real emphasis on the penalty-kill during training camp. The good news is, the unit got plenty of work in tonight’s loss. The bad news is, it didn’t exactly look as though progress has been made.
Nate Thompson may have been one of the only bright spots on a PK unit that allowed three goals on the night. Admittedly, we can’t tarnish the bigger names here as this was obviously preseason. One name who did struggle, though, was Nick Seeler.
He started off the game quite nicely but after the penalties started racking up, complacent errors began to follow. He ended up turning the puck over later in the game, which led to the last Bruins goal of the night, capping what had clearly become an evening of frustration. Here’s to hoping that changes soon as preseason rolls on.
The Flyers went 2-for-6 on the power play, thanks to Mr Farabee, but that was about as good as it got. The Flyers made too many errors at even strength, surrendering five power play opportunities and conceding a 40% PP percentage.
The grass isn’t always greener
Replacing Brian Elliott was never going to be an easy task, but Martin Jones seemed like he’d be a great fit for what the team were trying to build. Unfortunately, allowing 3 goals on 11 shots isn’t the best way to make a first impression.
Jones has attained a .896 save percentage in each of his last three seasons and there wasn’t much reason to believe that number would suddenly improve in Philadelphia, at least early on.
He split time evenly with Felix Sandstrom, who allowed a single goal on 12 shots.
The Flyers are going to need to see more from the former San Jose Shark if he is to be Carter Hart’s primary backup.
The Philadelphia Flyers will be back in preseason action on Saturday night against the Capitals.
Photo Credit: Alex McIntyre
