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Flyers back at it vs Rangers after OT thriller

By Mike Zawisza

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 15: Jakub Voracek #93 of the Philadelphia Flyers scores at 3:47 of overtime against Keith Kinkaid #71 of the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on March 15, 2021 in New York City. The Flyers defeated the Rangers 5-4 in overtime. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 15: Jakub Voracek #93 of the Philadelphia Flyers scores at 3:47 of overtime against Keith Kinkaid #71 of the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on March 15, 2021 in New York City. The Flyers defeated the Rangers 5-4 in overtime. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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Jake Voracek played the final 1:51 seconds of Monday night’s tilt vs the New York Rangers, stealing a puck from Artemi Panarin and deking Keith Kinkaid into Grand Central Station to give the Flyers a much needed win.

They’ll have a chance to make it two in-a-row for the first time since late February as they’ll meet up with the Rangers once again. Despite the win on Monday, the Flyers defense was once again missing in action. They allowed three unanswered goals in the second period and let the Rangers take control of the game following a flawless opening frame. If not for some tremendous saves by Carter Hart in the third period, the Flyers fate may have been different.

Keys to the Game

  • Keep attacking from behind the goal line: The Flyers scored two goals on the power play Monday night, which in and of itself is a good thing. But it’s the manner in which they scored that’s notable. Both goals came on plays that started behind the goal line. In the first instance, Claude Giroux drifted from the circle to behind the net and fed Joel Farabee for a one-timer. Keith Kinkaid was unable to position himself in time and Farabee wired the shot over his shoulder. On the second goal, Giroux dished the puck to Voracek, circled behind the net and wound up wide open for a backdoor goal. These types of plays are extremely difficult for both goalies and defensemen to read. The Flyers should keep looking for plays like these.
  • Enough with the odd-man rushes: This is really just comical at this point. The Flyers have been gauged by goals off the rush recently. The Rangers scored three on Monday night and were able to erase a comfortable 2-0 lead in an instant. These plays happen in hockey, it’s unavoidable. However, the rate at which this is happening is far too high. The Flyers defensemen need to keep watch their gaps and the forwards have to make a more concerted effort on the backcheck. This is an easy fix, which is why it’s so mind boggling that it keeps happening.
  • Take advantage of the Rangers fast and loose system: The Rangers were easily one of the worst defensive teams in the league last year. They’ve been better this year, but they’re still prone to key turnovers in their own zone. When the Flyers forecheck is clicking, they can force New York’s hand and capitalize on these turnovers. The Flyers got a couple goals by doing just that on Monday. Keep it up and you may just be able to outscore your awful defense…at least in this game.
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