The Flyers will be welcoming the Bruins to the Wells Fargo Center for the first time this season. They are hoping it goes a lot better than their trip to Boston early last month. While they grabbed a point, they were badly outplayed in both games.
And Boston wasn’t even at full strength. David Pastrnak had been sidelined during the beginning of the season. He made his season debut at the end of January and already has three points in two games. So he will be a big factor for the Flyers to keep an eye on.
Not that Boston was floundering without him. They are coming off a big come from behind win over the Capitals. Trailing 3-0 in the second period, they rattled off five straight goals to stun Washington. It was Pastrnak who got the party started with his first two goals of the season. Craig Smith, Brandon Carlo, and Brad Marchand finished off the scoring.
The Bruins are right behind Philadelphia in the standing, though they’ve played one less game. Nevertheless, Boston currently sits at 6-1-2. They are on a six game point streak, winning five of the six games and finishing one with an overtime loss.
The Flyers have been on a hot streak of their own. They have won their last four games, outscoring opponents 15-9. And that comes with being outshot in three of those victories. Their last two games needed extra time as both featured blown over the Islanders.
But despite the sometimes sloppy 5v5 play, the Flyers are getting the results. It helps when they have a player such as James van Riemsdyk leading the way. He collected four assists on Monday and has 13 points in 10 games. So he will be a factor for Philadelphia and one that Boston will try to shut down.
Tuukka Rask, if in net, will certainly be looking for a bounce back after giving up four goals to the Capitals. While Boston would win that game, it was certainly not Rask’s best outing. He did give up four goals in the Bruins victory over Philadelphia on January 21st as well.
If Boston goes to Halak, he only have up one goal in the Bruins other win over Philadelphia. He is on a three game win streak of his own and holds an overall record of 3-0-1.
While Elliott looked strong in the Flyers last win, it will likely be Carter Hart in net. He has won his last two, only allowing three goals combined. He has had tough luck against Boston this season, though, allowing 10 goals. The most recent one is where he allowed six goals. Though, the team as a whole did not look good.
This is the beginning of what could be a tough stretch for the Flyers. Getting off on the right foot tonight could go a long way.