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Philadelphia Flyers’ Late Surge Salvages Win: Analytics Notebook

By Marc Naples

Oct 25, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers right wing Jakub Voracek (93) scores the game-winning goal against Buffalo Sabres goalie Anders Nilsson (31) during the shootout period at Wells Fargo Center. The Flyers defeated the Sabres 4-3 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers right wing Jakub Voracek (93) scores the game-winning goal against Buffalo Sabres goalie Anders Nilsson (31) during the shootout period at Wells Fargo Center. The Flyers defeated the Sabres 4-3 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /
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A late surge salvaged what was on the brink of being a very disappointing night for the Philadelphia Flyers against the Buffalo Sabres

Comin off a tight loss to the Montreal Canadiens, the Philadelphia Flyers returned home hoping for something better against the weaker Buffalo Sabres. No matter who the Flyers play these days however, their lack of first period offense remains a theme.

Both teams played a quiet first period, but some fluky plays ended up in the back of Flyers net. The effect snowballed, and all of a sudden it was 3-0.

Hakstol responded with a timeout/challenge, and by pulling Michal Neuvirth from goal. It didn’t have immediate effects, but the Flyers eventually found their footing. Ultimately, a few power play goals got the Flyers back into the game, and Steve Mason didn’t allow a goal in regulation, overtime or the shootout, claiming 2 points for the Flyers.

Forwards

  • New Lines, Similar Results: The big lineup change for this game for the forwards was swapping Matt Read and Brayden Schenn on their respective lines, but it didn’t really move the needle. The third line continued to struggle to do much, while Matt Read was one of only 2 Flyers forwards not to register a shot on goal. Things are not looking good at all for Schenn at even-strength in his 4 games this season.

More from Broad Street Buzz

  • Konecny’s First: Travis Konecny scored his first NHL goal, deflecting a shot by Ivan Provorov to start the Flyers comeback. He now has 1 goal and 5 assists in 7 games, and has the best plus-minus of all Flyers forwards.
  • Voracek Flying Too Close to the Sun: Jakub Voracek again led the 2nd line on a good night, as the trio again got the best chances. They combined for 10 shots on goal, in addition to shooting wide 10 more times. The downer of the night was Voracek getting smoked on a high hit by Dmitry Kulikov. Voracek briefly left the game, but came back to score the clinching shootout goal. For me, Kulikov’s hit was more dangerous and suspension-worthy than Dale Weise’s headshot last week. We shall see what comes of it.
  • Nothing at Even-strength: The Flyers didn’t score a goal at even-strength tonight, saving all their scoring for 3rd period power play goals when firmly in comeback mode. That is troubling.

Defense

  • Overhauling the Defense: Looking at ice times tonight, it is striking how much has changed in one year. Youngsters Ivan Provorov and Shayne Gostisbehere led the team in total ice time, playing 24:12 and 22:18 respectively. Thinking back to last season’s opener, none of Ivan Provorov, Shayne Gostisbehere, Andrew MacDonald or Radko Gudas were even in the lineup.
  • Rememering the Gudas Times: Radko Gudas returned to the lineup from suspension, playing with Mark Streit. Gudas passed the puck well and did some penalty killing, while flinging 7 shot attempts at net.
  • Provorov Learning on the Fly: Regarding Provorov’s big ice time, he turned in another solid effort. He continues to play with confidence, making forays into the offensive zone and assertive breakups at the defensive blue line. Once a game or so, however, he still gets caught off guard by the size and speed of NHL forwards. The Sabres had one big break on goal in the 3rd period tonight due that effect.
  • One for the Oldies: While largely overshadowed by youth, lots of credit to Mark Streit. He scored the game-tying goal, and racked up 3 points on the night.

Goaltending and Special Teams

The Flyers didn’t get much from Michal Neuvirth in net. He conceded 3 goals, all fluky. Two of them were sloppy goaltending, as well. As a result, Neuvirth was pulled in his second consecutive start.

On the positive side, Mason shut out the Sabres since entering the game. Furthermore, all 3 Flyers goals came on the power play. Three power play goals look, but they’d look better if they were complemented by some actual goals on 5v5.

Lastly, the power play is about the only thing going for Brayden Schenn right now. He scored a goal and assist on the PP in this one., and looks like he will continue getting some points on the power play so long as he stays on the top unit.

Next: Flyers Lineup Keeps Churning

Up Next

The Philadelphia Flyers’ insanely busy week continues on Thursday night against the Coyotes. This will be a rematch of the Flyers 4-3 loss in their second game of this season.

The game will also likely feature more lineup changes. Dale Weise is eligible to return from his 3 game suspension, so expect to see the 3rd line tweaked again.

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