The Philadelphia Flyers are in dire straits.
Accountability has to resonate with everything that relates to the Flyers. It starts with the owners, the general manager, the coaches, the players, and finally trickling to the fanbase. There isn’t a sense of pride. Veteran leadership played hooky after Philadelphia began this season with a 6-2-2 record. While Mike Yeo’s team searches for an identity, many mask theirs under a paper bag of shame.
It’s a dark period. One that bleeds off the ice throughout the veins of an otherwise proud sports city. Now, the Flyers, without much support in their lowest of lows, visit the Vegas Golden Knights.
Philadelphia is the underdog, as they’ve routinely been for seventeen games. Here’s what to watch for tonight at the Golden Knights:
The Sword and Shield
The Vegas Golden Knights are aiming for a season-best four-game win streak. Last time out, they defeated the Dallas Stars in regulation, 5-4.
Alex Pietrangelo and Mark Stone headlined an incredible performance. Both skaters had three points, boosting the team with their contributions. More than half of the shots taken were between the crease and the top of the faceoff circle (27/45.) Stone scored twice from within that range.
Robin Lehner was unsteady. He surrendered three goals on ten shots, prompting a Laurent Brossoit rescue mission.
Projected to start tonight is Lehner; Vegas will be without Jack Eichel, Nolan Patrick, and Alec Martinez.
A Philadelphia Fly-By
James van Riemsdyk said, “I didn’t see it that way,” when questioned about the Philadelphia Flyers lacking energy.
For an uninspired team that lacks any fire, that’s alarming. It’s particularly uncomfortable amidst a ten-game losing streak moments after Mike Yeo called out his players for having to “want the puck on your stick” and looking “a little bit safe.” No one is on the same page within the Flyers organization. A locker room that was so tightly knit just two seasons ago came undone.
Chuck Fletcher decided to bring in veteran leaders to swing the culture. Injuries continue to play a factor, but intestinal fortitude is becoming an issue. No athlete is okay with losing, but how do they break this funk? It’s cliche, but the organization needs to look in the mirror and find its pride.
Projected to start between the pipes is Carter Hart. Philadelphia is still without Joel Farabe, Nate Thompson, and Ryan Ellis.
Prediction
There isn’t a way to justify a prediction in favor of the Philadelphia Flyers. Momentum is a critical metric in sports. The Flyers are an empty glass, while the Vegas Golden Knights are to the brim. Stranger things have happened, but I can hold my breath for a long time.
Golden Knights win, 4-2.
Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire
