Fansided

Corsi Analysis: Flyers Defense Seals Deal Against Rangers

By Walt Gebelein |
Mar 27, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Rangers left wing Artemi Panarin (10) falls after being tripped by Philadelphia Flyers center Scott Laughton (21) in the third period at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 27, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Rangers left wing Artemi Panarin (10) falls after being tripped by Philadelphia Flyers center Scott Laughton (21) in the third period at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports

After two embarrassing defensive efforts that resulted in losses to the New York Rangers, the Flyers were able to string together a solid team wide defensive effort and finally beat the Rangers.

First Period

CF:26 CA:10 CF%:72.72

The Flyers had a nearly constant forechecking pressure throughout the period and were getting pucks to the net with players in front looking for deflections and rebounds. It was a determined effort that used an old school tried and true tactic for success. This aggressive and simple style tilted the ice in Flyers’ favor, as a majority of the play took place in the Rangers’ defensive zone.

The lone blemish for the Flyers was a power play goal on the door step from, who else,  Mika Zibanejad. Elliott looked a little shaky in the period, but that lone goal was a case where he had no help and no chance.

Second Period

CF:12 CA:10 CF%: 55.56%

The Flyers were able to neutralize the Rangers offense again with a concerted back checking effort. While Elliott again looked shaky, he did not break despite some sequences that may have left fans holding their breath in terror.

Nolan Patrick, who has looked sleepy for most of the season, scored what may be the most important goal for the team so far.  After squandering a lengthy two man advantage, Patrick was able to deflect a Gostisbehere rocket from the point to knot the game at one.

Third Period

CF12 CA:13 CF% 48.00%

The period was as even as the possession metrics indicated, but the Flyers ability create traffic made the difference in the game as big Sam Morin was able to snap one past the Rangers’ keeper with Raffl providing the traffic. The celebration after Morin’s first career goal was epic, I can’t remember the last time the team looked that happy.  Congrats Sam!

Corsi Winner

PHI D Ivan Provorov CF:25 CA:9 CF%: 73.53%

Provorov had a dominating game and the possession metrics showed as much. He was able to abort many Rangers’ chances, and in cases where a shot was taken, he would quickly seek to control the rebound.  This team needs more efforts like this from Provorov.

Corsi Loser

NYR C Kevin Rooney CF:6 CA:13 CF%: 31.58%

Rooney had a difficult game, especially at the hands of the Laughton line where he suffered a 5 chance deficit.

Conclusion

CF:50 CA:33 CF%: 60.24%

The Flyers had a complete game defensively for the first time in months and the improved defensive coverage showed in the possession metrics as they were able to shut down Rangers chances and transition to offense.

It may be too early to say the team has righted itself, but for this game they certainly did. While the possession numbers indicate a sizable advantage for the Flyers, it only translated to a single goal advantage for the Flyers in 5 V. 5 play.  The possession numbers were eerily similar to the 8-3 blow out in the previous game. The change in result is a testament to their improved defense. The question now becomes, can they keep it up?

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