Fansided

Matt Niskanen A Player To Watch For Flyers vs Devils

By Benjamin Gabrych |
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 18: Matt Niskanen #15 of the Philadelphia Flyers skates the puck against the Los Angeles Kings on January 18, 2020 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Len Redkoles/NHLI via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 18: Matt Niskanen #15 of the Philadelphia Flyers skates the puck against the Los Angeles Kings on January 18, 2020 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Len Redkoles/NHLI via Getty Images)

The Philadelphia Flyers defenseman will be a player worth watching as the team hosts the New Jersey Devils.

Following a 3-0 shutout victory over the Detroit Red Wings in their last contest, the Philadelphia Flyers will hope to extend their winning streak to three as they face off with the New Jersey Devils at the Wells Fargo Center. Philly’s had New Jersey’s number so far in 2019-20, beating them in their previous two meetings between back in October and November. The Flyers will look to do more of the same in 2020 and take the season series from the Devils for the first time since the 2009-10 campaign.

Among the players to watch for Philadelphia in this one, I have to spotlight defenseman Matt Niskanen given how well he’s played as of late. The 12-year NHL veteran has netted six points in his five games for the Flyers and enters tonight riding a three-game point streak. Additionally, Niskanen is a mere two points away from surpassing his point total last season and is on track for his highest since 2016-17. While ol’ Steady Eddy Niskanen isn’t relied upon to score every game, him regaining a bit of an offensive touch can only help the Flyers going forward this year and, hopefully, he’ll continue to stay hot against the Devils this evening.

As far as who’s going to receive the start between the pipes, it’s looking like Brian Elliott will get his second-straight nod from Alain Vigneault and deservedly so. Moose has put together two shutouts in his last three outings and nearly had a third in four, allowing one goal against the Los Angeles Kings in January. He’s been stellar filling in for Carter Hart as the team’s number one goaltender and will go for his 14th win of the year this evening. Also, Shayne Gostisbehere will make his return from injury and slot in for Robert Hagg and Joel Farabee will miss this game due to an illness. The recently recalled Andy Andreoff will take his place.

light. Hot. Kevin Hayes Helping Revamp Flyers Penalty Kill

Puck drop is set for 7 pm EST. If you’re not attending the game in person, you can watch it on NBC Sports Philadelphia and MSG+.

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