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Corsi Analysis: Flyers Cut Down Mistakes and Bruins

By Walt Gebelein

Apr 5, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia Flyers right wing Travis Konecny (11) celebrates with defenseman Justin Braun (61) after scoring against the Boston Bruins during the first period at the TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 5, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia Flyers right wing Travis Konecny (11) celebrates with defenseman Justin Braun (61) after scoring against the Boston Bruins during the first period at the TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports /
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With every point precious, the Flyers dug deep to get the season’s first win against the Boston Bruins. It was not a perfect game, but they managed to limit turnovers and wide open chances which allowed the offense to do enough to take the win.

First Period

CF:14 CA:17 CF%:45.16%

After what has been a tough season in every regard against the Bruins, the Flyers played a strong period, even with a three chance deficit. The lone blemish by the Flyers was a defensive zone turnover that had a blatant, and uncalled trip as its genesis.  Aside from that, they kept the Bs under wraps for the period. They were able to sniff out and stop all of the cross ice chances which had been kryptonite for the team. The period would end in a 1-1 tie.

Second Period

CF:15 CA:13 CF%:53:57%

The Flyers would give up the lead by conceding a powerplay goal. The Bruins’ powerplay has been nothing short of the Flyers’ poison this season and proved it again tonight.  Despite the set back the they put a significant amount of pressure on the Bruins in the period, even with powerplays acting more as a momentum killing hinderance than a help.

The Bruins had their share of chances, mostly from icings, and the Flyers leaned heavily on Brian Elliott who was up to the task. They would end the period down a goal even after winning the possession metrics.

Third Period and Overtime

CF:12 CA:14 CF%: 46.15%

The Flyers started the period down a goal and playing desperate. The Bruins looked to be more passive, content to get the puck in deep. This allowed the Flyers to carry play and draw a powerplay opportunity, where they would tie the game. That seemed to awaken the Bruins who started to push back raising their interference and tripping game, with no calls from the officials.

Corsi Winner

BOS C Patrice Bergeron CF:19 CA:6 CF%:76.00%

Bergeron has been fantastic against the Flyers this season.  He always seems to make plays with the way he finds space and manipulates the defense as he makes passes.  Bergeron does not dominate physically routinely but seems to out think the opposition every night, and he did so again tonight, until tripping on the games final rush where Sanheim scored the game winner.

Corsi Loser

 BOS C Sean Kuraly CF:5 CA:10 CF%:33:33%

Kuraly had a difficult night from a possession stand point, but spent much of the night matched up against Couturier and did not concede a goal, though he was out chanced 6-0.  The Bruins would likely be happy with any possession numbers so long as it kept Couts off the scoreboard when playing 5 V 5.

Conclusion

CF:41 CA: 44 CF%: 48.24

The Flyers played a pretty good game against the Bruins, preventing them from taking control of the game before taking it in overtime. The numbers, which ended slightly in the Bruins favor, accurately portray what was an even game for the most part. The one element that is missing is how many chances were generated by excessive Flyers icings.

On the one hand, keeping the Bruins close with so many defensive zone starts would indicate that the Flyers actually did a superior job in the possession department.  But giving the Bruins free starts in the offensive zone, where they are deadly, is not a prudent way to approach the Bruins.  In any case the Flyers should be happy with two points and have an effort to build off from.

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