Corsi Analysis: Flyers Play Well, Grab Consolation Point Vs. Islanders

While the team and their fans are likely frustrated by the evening’s result with the Flyers 2-1 overtime loss to the Islanders, there is a great deal to be pleased about, starting with the possession metrics

First Period

CF:15 CA:11 CF%:57.69%  ZENO:1

The Flyers started the game looking motivated and took command from the period’s onset, building a seven chance possession advantage by the stanza’s end. The first ten minutes saw the defense play well, and the offense opting to put pucks on net rather than the patient approach seen earlier in the season.

The new defense pairing of Myers and Gustafsson enjoyed an 8-0 and 9-0 chance advantage in the first period.  Conversely, the Braun/Sanheim pair left the period with a minus 4 chance differential. The offensive highlights were provided by Nolan Patrick, who had two partial breakaways, though he failed to beat the Islanders’ keeper.

The Flyers possession advantage kept the Islanders from looking too dangerous, though there was a tense moment where Brian Elliott miscommunicated with his defense that left the Flyers scrambling in front of a vacated net.

 Second Period

CF:25: CA:13 CF% 67.57 ZENO:2

The Flyers carved out a large possession advantage in the second period, dumping the puck in and using a determined forechecking to keep the Islanders at bay. Oskar Lindblom would break through for the home team, deflecting a nice Giroux feed from just outside the crease. It was a hard working goal for Voracek, Giroux and Lindblom, and a good omen for the team.

The Hayes line was able to apply a great deal of pressure, gathering a nine to five corsi for advantage. While they did not get on the score sheet, they looked dangerous.

Third Period and Overtime

CF:17 CA:12 CF%: 58.62% ZENO:1

The Flyers were again the better looking team, and seemed to beat back the Islander push early in the period. There was not much in the way of defensive break downs and the Flyers were able to generate offensive consistently, but were not able to beat Ilya Sorokin.

But a little bit of bad puck luck would bite the Flyers as the entire team seemed to lose sight of the puck at their own goal mouth. Unfortunately Oliver Wahlstrom did see the puck and pushed it into the net.

After starting overtime on the powerplay, the Flyers would play 4 V 4 hockey once the penalty expired. This extended 4 V 4 play is a bit of an anomaly, since overtime is typically 3 V. 3 and it seemed to get the team out of sync. Farabee would turn the puck over on a tough pass to Gostisbehere.  Islanders’ forward Anthony Beauvillier took the gift, accelerated behind the Flyers’ net and stuffed it in the net off Brian Elliott’s skate.

Corsi Winner

PHI D Phil Myers CF:21 CA::6 CF%: 77.78

Myers looked as good as he has in a month with good pinches in the offensive zone and a solid defensive effort.  While some may have misgivings separating Myers from Sanheim, Myers and Gustafsson played fairly well together.

Corsi Loser

NYI LW Michael Dal Colle CF:3 CA:21 CF%:12.50%

A day after posting gaudy possession metrics, Dal Colle returned to earth with a thud. Dal Colle and his line mates were victimized for most of the evening by the Aube-Kubel/Raffl/Patrick line, unable to generate a single offensive chance.

Conclusion

CF:57 CA:35 CF%:61.96 ZENO:4

The Flyers should be encouraged by how they played the points leader in the division.  The Islanders leaned heavily on netminder Ilya Sorokin, whose heroics robbed the Flyers of at least two more goals. Save for a bit of sloppy play in what was an unusual and prolonged 4 V 4 stint in overtime, the team played a very strong game.

While the corsi metrics missed the final result, the numbers indicate a very good performance by the Flyers. The team limited its turnovers, and were able to sustain offense consistently through the night.  But some times goalies rule the day and the Islanders’ Sorokin was the story behind the Islander victory.