The last meeting on Thursday looked like a typical Flyers vs. Islanders tilt. Philadelphia went up 3-0 early with goals from Oskar Lindblom, Jake Voracek and Claude Giroux. The team looked very good in their defensive end and Carter Hart made some really nice saves.
As is tradition, the Islanders tied up the game in the 3rd period with goals by Aho, Whalstrom and Dal Colle. The Flyers found a way to win thanks to Oskar Lindblom who looked like the Lindblom from last year, taking a rip in the center of the ice to blow it by Varlamov.
The team seemed to really bounce back and play a game that only seemed to show up here and there this season. With 28 games left in this season, every game matters and winning these next couple games against the Islanders would be crucial.
The Flyers currently sit in 5th place in the Eastern Division with 33 points. Boston is in 4th with 36, the Pens are in 3rd with 37 points, Islanders in 2nd with 42 and the Caps in 1st with 44. If the Devils pull a win out against the Pens, that would truly help. Boston is off until next Thursday where they will play the Islanders. The Rangers and Caps are set for a tilt tonight as well.
The Flyers need to come out strong and hitting hard like they were last game. The Isles are without Anders Lee for the rest of the season due to an ACL injury. Philadelphia needs to capitalize and win these next to games. They come back home for the rubber match in Philly.
The Flyers need to keep the Islanders scoreless in the first period as they are a first period team. They should also expect a big push from the Isles early on. The best part about these back to back games this season is you can get right back at the opponent who just beat you last game. This is a big stretch of games moving forward.
The players to watch tonight will be that 23-28-11 line. That line was buzzing all night and took it to the Isles during the entire game. If this line can continue to buzz and TK and Lindy can return to form with G, they could be unstoppable, especially against third lines.
Flyers Projected Lineup
Van Riemsdyk-Couturier-Farabee
Laughton-Hayes-Voracek
Lindblom-Giroux-Konecny
Twarynski-Patrick-Aube-Kubel
Provorov-Braun
Sanheim-Myers
Gustafsson-Prosser
Hart
Elliott