I think I can speak for all Flyers fans when I say those last two Flyers games did not go the way we wanted. That being said, I think I’m pretty accurate in saying those went EXACTLY as expected. As I said last week, I would be happy with a point against the Rangers, and that’s what happened. Did I get hopeful they’d win when Farabee tied it? Obviously. Was I shocked when they lost in the shootout? Not in the slightest. And…yeah, the outdoor game was bad. Regardless, the Flyers still sit in third place in the division with the third fewest games played. Hopefully, the Flyers can get those six players in COVID protocol back soon and get back on track.
Game 1: Rangers 3 Flyers 2 (SO)
I will say, I thought the first period of this game was pure domination by the Flyers. It seemed the puck was always in the offensive zone, the Flyers could break out and enter the zone at will, and were able to get quality chances. The final two periods and OT suggested AV said “great game guys just go skate a little and get out of here.” They didn’t look like an AHL team in the first, but afterwards the number of AHL players on the roster was obvious. The Rangers also blocked an obscene number of shots, which I have to tip my hat to if I’m being honest. Farabee showed once again that he’s one of the most important players on this team, and the Flyers at least got a point. Not surprised, but we definitely hate this situation.
Game 2: Bruins 7 Flyers 3
Ow. I knew this game was going to be bad, but ow. Boston has the Flyers number in every way, shape, and form, and it’s painfully obvious. Hart didn’t look good, and once again, the team had a good first period before completely falling apart. I don’t like the trend of playing well early and then completely pulling off, and it’s something that AV desperately needs to address. I don’t really have to much to say because it was basically the AHL team against one of the best teams in the league, if not the best. I loved the play of the usual top forwards, though. Coots, Farabee, JVR and Hayes all looked solid. The Flyers were just completely outmatched.
Who’s Hot: JVR, Farabee
I think it’s pretty obvious that JVR and Joel Farabee on a line together is one of the best decisions AV has made this year. The two seem to compliment each other’s style of play perfectly, and it really shows in their production recently. Adding to the tear they were on last week, JVR added a goal and 2 assists while Farabee added 2 goals of his own. They are the most productive players in terms of offense, and I hope this chemistry never goes away. And I’m STILL waiting for young beezer’s mixtape.
Who’s Not: Carter Hart...kinda
I would be flat out stupid if I said Carter Hart didn’t look bad in the outdoor game. He did, there’s no denying it, and he hasn’t looked phenomenal at times this season. There have been times where he has not looked like the franchise goalie we expect him to be. There were goals against the Bruins that he just flat out should have stopped, and he wasn’t good in the shootout against the Rangers. However, I have found numbers that prove Carter Hart is still a stud despite a not so good season, stats wise. Bill Meltzer oh so kindly pointed out that his struggles…have pretty much ONLY been against Boston.
Yeah, those numbers against the Bruins are putrid, but I am a big fan of those numbers against teams not named the Boston Bruins. It just proves to me that Boston is so damn good and Carter Hart is still one step shy of an elite level, top-10 maybe top-5 goalie in this league. Also, anyone who says Carter Hart reminds them of Carson Wentz is nothing more than a casual fan and they need to turn in their fan card IMMEDIATELY. I’ll let Charlie O’Connor say it louder for the people in the back.
Stats
Goals: JVR & Farabee – 8
Assists: JVR – 13
Points: JVR – 21
Plus/Minus: Laughton +6
TOI/Game: Provorov – 25:49
What’s Next
Wednesday vs. NYR – 7 p.m.
Saturday @ Buffalo – 1 p.m.
Sunday @ Buffalo – 3 p.m.
Hopefully the full team is back by Wednesday and we can see at least two Ws. If the full team is back, I wouldn’t be surprised if we see three. A 100% Flyers team is dangerous and I don’t think people are ready for them. Let’s go Flyers.
The Morning Skate 