Peepin' Foes: Philadelphia Flyers

The Rangers return to Philly tonight for a 7pm tilt against the Flyers (on MSG). All of the hype is on the fact that it is the first game back since the Blueshirts shootout loss at the end of last season. But, despite many of the same names, these two teams are not the same as those that had that memorable 2-1 tilt.

Where We Are: On a two game win streak, playing the first of back-to-back and the opener of three in four days. In typical fashion, after choking in two lesser games against Southeast Division opponents, the Rangers bounced back against a pair of Original Six rivals. Now they are trading historical rivals for a current one with the Flyers.

Where They Are: Coming in on a four game win streak that raised their record to 7-4-1 and put them in first in the Atlantic. The Broad Street Bullies are playing their style of game, power hockey with the inevitable fisticuffs mixed in.

Who To Watch For: Sergei Bobrovsky. The young Russian has gotten off to a great start as the stater in the Philadelphia crease. He took over for the injured Mike Leighton and has allowed more than three goals just once in eight starts this season (6-2). Most Flyer fans I know are not yet sold on this kid, having been jaded by good bursts of play by many a netminder over the last 15, 20 years but we may very well be hoping he drives a Porsche in the near future. Claude Giroux has been red hot with seven points (four goals and three assists) over the four wins. That muppet Scott Hartnell has buzzed his fur but has eight points in his last eight games and the oft-rumoured-to-be-traded Jeff Carter has eight points over his last four. The Rangers often have to worry about their former players coming back and haunting them but Philly is realizing Nik Zherdev is a lazy, soft, one-way player and have busted him down the lineup after two points (both goals) in 10 games and a lot of lackadaisical play. Another former Ranger, Ian Laperriere, won't be playing and sadly may be forced to call it a career as he is still dealing with serious post-concussion symptoms.

What To Watch For: If the Rangers stick to their block party game, which likely won't work against the Flyers. Unlike the last two opponents, the orange and black follow their shots with physical play and the Rangers would be hard-pressed to stand up to the deluge of bodies. The battle that is sure to ensue between Dubinsky and Pronger and how Arty handles the more physical Flyers. Some Flyer (Leino?) stepping up to fill the void left by the suspended Danny Briere.

What We'll (Hopefully) See: Someone, anyone standing up for Henrik Lundqvist. Hank admitted after the shootout loss that he was utterly exhausted and that was because the Flyers spent much of the game within a few feet of his crease. Well, that can't happen. Boogaard was signed for this game and he needs not to just have some meaningless, preplanned tilt against Jody Shelley - he needs to be the intimidating enforcer that Sather claimed he was. Avery to do that voodoo that he does so well against Hartnell. Someone, anyone to keep Dirtbag Dan Carcillo at bay. Mike Sauer to have another strong game and Grachev to finally use his size to stand up and make an impact.

Also Check Out: Flyer Files is a MSM blog, SBN hosts Broad Street Hockey and you can stop by The 700 Level.

 Peepin' Foes: A Look at the 2021-2022 Philadelphia Flyers

The Philadelphia Flyers, one of the NHL's oldest and most storied franchises, have a rich history of success. Known for their passionate fan base and iconic orange and black uniforms, the Flyers have always been a team to watch. As the 2021-2022 NHL season unfolds, let's take a deep dive into the current state of the Philadelphia Flyers, their roster, recent performances, and what the future holds for this historic team.

Roster Overview

The heart of any NHL team lies in its roster, and the Flyers are no exception. The team boasts a blend of experienced veterans and emerging young talents.

Claude Giroux (Captain): Giroux has been the face of the franchise for years. He's an elite playmaker and scorer who consistently ranks among the league's top point producers.

Sean Couturier: As one of the league's premier two-way forwards, Couturier's defensive prowess is matched only by his offensive contributions. His play in both zones is crucial for the Flyers' success.

Carter Hart: Goaltending is often the key to a team's fortunes, and Hart is the Flyers' goaltender of the present and future. After a promising start to his career, he's looking to bounce back from a challenging season.

Travis Konecny: The young winger has developed into a dynamic offensive threat. Konecny's speed and scoring ability make him an essential part of the Flyers' forward corps.

Ivan Provorov: A workhorse defenseman, Provorov logs big minutes and contributes at both ends of the ice. His ability to shut down opponents and generate offense from the blue line is invaluable.

Recent Performance

The Flyers entered the 2021-2022 season with high expectations, hoping to build on their previous successes. However, their early-season performance has been a rollercoaster ride.

Offensive Firepower: The Flyers possess a potent offense capable of scoring in bunches. Their top line, featuring Giroux, Couturier, and Konecny, is a constant threat.

Defensive Struggles: One area of concern has been their defensive play. Giving up too many goals per game has been an ongoing issue, and tightening up defensively has become a priority.

Goaltending Questions: Carter Hart, the young netminder with a bright future, has had his share of ups and downs. Goaltending consistency is key, and the Flyers are hoping for more stability between the pipes.

Special Teams: Special teams play has been a mixed bag, with the power play showing flashes of brilliance but also periods of inconsistency. Penalty killing has been another area of focus.

What Lies Ahead?

As the season progresses, the Flyers must address their defensive woes and seek more consistent goaltending. They have the offensive firepower to compete with any team in the league, but tightening up defensively is crucial for success.

Coaching Strategies: Head coach Alain Vigneault and his staff will continue to adjust strategies and line combinations to maximize the team's strengths while shoring up weaknesses.

Development of Young Talent: The Flyers have a promising pipeline of young talent in their system. As these players continue to develop, they will add depth to the roster.

Trade Deadline: Depending on their position in the standings as the trade deadline approaches, the Flyers may be buyers or sellers. Key acquisitions or moves could impact their playoff aspirations.

Fan Support: The Flyers' passionate fan base, known as the "Philly Faithful," provides unwavering support. Their energy can serve as a driving force for the team, especially during home games at the Wells Fargo Center.

The Philadelphia Flyers remain an intriguing team in the NHL, filled with talent and potential. While they face challenges in areas like defense and goaltending, their offensive firepower and dedicated fan base provide reasons for optimism. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on the Flyers as they aim to make their mark in the competitive Metropolitan Division and contend for a playoff spot.

FAQs

Q1: Who are the key players for the Philadelphia Flyers this season?

A1: Key players include Claude Giroux, Sean Couturier, Carter Hart, Travis Konecny, and Ivan Provorov.

Q2: What has been a recurring issue for the Flyers this season?

A2: The Flyers have struggled defensively, giving up too many goals per game.

Q3: What are the team's strengths?

A3: The Flyers possess a potent offense and have a passionate fan base that provides unwavering support.

Q4: What does the future hold for the Flyers?

A4: The Flyers will focus on addressing defensive issues, developing young talent, and potentially making key acquisitions as they strive for playoff contention.