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Philadelphia Flyers look to even the season series vs Washington Capitals

By Mike Zawisza

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 11: Claude Giroux #28 of the Philadelphia Flyers tries to hold off Dmitry Orlov #9 of the Washington Capitals in the first period at Wells Fargo Center on March 11, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 11: Claude Giroux #28 of the Philadelphia Flyers tries to hold off Dmitry Orlov #9 of the Washington Capitals in the first period at Wells Fargo Center on March 11, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images) /
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The Flyers are back at it tonight vs the Washington Capitals following a comeback attempt that came up short on Thursday. The team played arguably one of their worst defensive games Thursday night and were gauged for four goals by the Capitals. This came without Lars Eller and noted goon, Tom Wilson. To say they were leaky would be an understatement.

The Flyers appear to be at a breaking point of sorts. While the offense continues to impress, the team defense is a disaster. When combined with inconsistent goaltending from both goalies, the Flyers are baking a recipe for failure. If the defense doesn’t get addressed through trade, things will likely remain the same.

That being said, the team isn’t “bad” and things can turn around. They’ve proven they can beat the Capitals this year, and tonight marks a chance to at least turn things around until a trade can fully right the ship.

Projected Lineup Changes

According to coach Alain Vigneault, the forward group remains the same as Thursday night’s tilt. Andy Andreoff was sent to the Taxi Squad Friday, so he had to have been recalled again if he’s in. Phil Myers draws back into the lineup following his healthy scratch last game.

It also looks as though Nate Prosser is paired with Shayne Gostisbehere, as Robert Hagg and Erik Gustafsson were skating with the Taxi Squad. Brian Elliott remains in net as AV said Carter Hart still needs a couple more days to get his head straight.

Keys to the game

  • Tighten up the team defense: The Flyers defense is bad right now, that isn’t up for debate. And while additions like Mattias Ekholm and Alex Goligoski would likely help stabilize things, a move isn’t necessarily imminent.  Still, there’s no reason for the team to hemorrhage high-danger chances the way they have been lately. The forwards have been equally guilty as of late. Poor line changes, missed assignments and lack of backchecking from the forwards have directly resulted in a handful of goals recently. When one aspect of the team is struggling, it’s important for everyone else to bear down and do their part.
  • Just don’t let special teams hurt you: The Flyers special teams units have been killing them all season. The powerplay is impudent and the penalty kill allows holes in the slot big enough for a Zamboni to drive through. The units aren’t just bad, they’re effectively hurting this team. If they can’t make their special teams a net-positive, at least make sure they aren’t a negative.
  • Take what the Caps are giving you: The Capitals are not a juggernaut. They are an extremely flawed team, just like the Flyers. Philly nearly came back Thursday night because the Capitals aren’t a team built to lock a game down. If the Flyers can capitalize early on the chances the Capitals give them (instead of waiting until the third period), then this game can be won.

As mentioned above, the Flyers aren’t a “bad” team. They have a glut of talent and are still extremely alive in the playoff race. But they do have issues, and right now they aren’t doing enough as a cohesive unit to limit those flaws. Tonight is the first step in cleaning things up until Chuck Fletcher can bring in help.

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