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Corsi Analysis: Flyers Fight for Important Point Against Islanders

By Walt Gebelein

Apr 3, 2021; Uniondale, New York, USA; New York Islanders right wing Leo Komarov (47) and Philadelphia Flyers center Nolan Patrick (19) battle for position along the boards during the first period at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2021; Uniondale, New York, USA; New York Islanders right wing Leo Komarov (47) and Philadelphia Flyers center Nolan Patrick (19) battle for position along the boards during the first period at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /
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In what has become a familiar and frustrating trend for the Flyers, the team struggled early, falling behind, despite good possession numbers, and then had to fight like hell to try to salvage something for the effort. On this night, the Islanders were the guest stars in this all too common drama.

First Period

CF:14 CA:5  CF%: 73.68%

The Flyers were able to drive play right from the beginning and seemed to have the momentum. While not all of the their chances were top quality, it did keep the Islanders pinned in their own end. The Flyers strong play would be upended by the Islanders powerplay, which scored on another cross ice tap in by an uncovered Beauvillier.

The Flyers would have the their chances on the powerplay, but failed to produce and stifle their own momentum.

Second Period

CF:12 CA:9 CF%: 57.14%

They regressed a bit in the second period, looking a bit sluggish. The counter attacking Islanders were able to take advantage of Flyers’ troubles, getting the puck past center ice with control. When the Flyers could gain the offensive zone with possession, they were able to create chances and extend time in the offensive zone.

The Flyers would end the period down two goals after giving up an uncovered one timer off a defensive zone turnover.

Third Period and Overtime

CF:18 CA:12 CF% 60.00%

Down two goals, the Flyers were forced into a more aggressive offensive posture, forcing the action and giving up more quality chances as a result. Claude Giroux was able to pot two gorgeous goals to tie the game. His goals may have been meaningless but Carter Hart stood tall in as he was repeatedly challenged by the Islanders.

Despite playing right into the Islanders’ hands, the Flyers, as a complete team, put together the best 25 minutes they have in a month, even if they came up just short in the shootout. The question is if they can keep it up.

Corsi Winner

PHI C Nolan Patrick CF:18 CA:2 CF%: 90.00%

Patrick and his line mates, Hayes and Laughton, were able to put up extremely strong numbers against the Islanders, shutting down Mathew Barzal and picking up a 10-0 chance advantage. It looks like Patrick is close to turning the corner, and if he can start scoring, it may make all the difference for the Flyers.

Corsi Loser

NYI D Noah Dobson CF:2 CA:14 CF% 12.50%

Dobson faced a good bit of Flyers’ pressure, but he did not buckle, as Philadelphia did not score when he was on his the ice, though he nearly beat his own goalie on a puck that deflected off of his stick.

Conclusion

CF: 44  CA: 26 CF%: 62.86%

The possession metrics were a clear positive for the Flyers, and they made very few mistakes. But the cross ice passes to wide open players on the door step or on one timers is still a problem. They probably deserved two points for their 5 V. 5 effort,  but at the same time the powerplay was not at all a help. With luck, the Flyers have straightened out their even strength play and will fix their special teams next.

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