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Corsi Analysis: Bergeron, Swayman Break Flyers

By Walt Gebelein

Apr 6, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Boston Bruins defenseman Connor Clifton (75) holds back Philadelphia Flyers center Nolan Patrick (19) in front of goaltender Jeremy Swayman (1) during the first period at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 6, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Boston Bruins defenseman Connor Clifton (75) holds back Philadelphia Flyers center Nolan Patrick (19) in front of goaltender Jeremy Swayman (1) during the first period at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Flyers fell to a depleted Boston Bruins and their fourth string netminder Jeremy Swayman. The Flyers posted fantastic possession numbers against the Bruins though it did not translate into many goals.  The Bruins were opportunistic, and were buoyed by Marchand and Bergeron who provided enough offense on the night to rebuff the Flyers challenge.

First Period

CF:20 CA:17 CF% 54.05%

The Flyers were able to gain a possession advantage, and looked to be the better team for most of the period during 5 V. 5 play. The period saw two break-aways from Scott Laughton that he could not convert and good play overall, except when Bergeron and Marchand were on the ice.  The Flyers have had their issues dealing with the Bruins’ stars this season and tonight was no exception.

If there was a silver lining in the period, it seemed the Flyers were getting more frequent and better chances, the team was winning battles and controlling the puck. The fact that they are playing better does not negate the squandered opportunities in this game, and the season, and like tonight the season may be defined by chances that were wasted.

Second Period

CF:36 CA:19 CF%:65:45%

The Flyers started the period with a ton a jump and cut the lead in half just under two minutes into the period. They would tie the game two minutes later while staking an eight chance advantage from the period’s start.

Once the game was tied the Bruins used their big line to stop the bleeding and bringing the momentum back to the Bruins.  The Flyers weathered the Bruins’ surge with Carter Hart coming up big against Pastrnak.

They would regain control after an unsuccessful powerplay and continue to pile up chances in what was a dominant period.

Third Period

CF:8 CA:6 CF%:57.14%

The Bruins played the Flyers even until a dumpster fire of a powerplay that allowed the ever-annoying Brad Marchand to score short handed.  Is it fair to say that the Flyers’ special teams are a problem?  The Bruins were able to successfully suck the energy out of the game and strangle the Flyers.  The Bruins changed it from a hockey game into a rock fight and either frustrated or tired Flyers to the point that they could not over come the one goal deficit.

Corsi Winner

PHI D Phil Myers CF:28 CA:11 CF%:71.79%

Myers played the way that makes him most effective, namely smart pinches in the offensive end to increase zone time and smart neutral zone defense that broke up many Boston zone entries. Myers improved play will be vital for the team down the stretch.

Corsi Loser

BOS RW Chris Wagner CF:1 CA:13 CF%:7.14%

Wagner had his hands full, especially against Giroux, who out chanced him 6-0 when matched up head to head. Despite a rough possession night, Wagner did not concede a goal while on the ice.

Conclusion

CF:64 CA:32 CF%:60.38%

The Flyers played extremely well against a very good team for long stretches. When they were energized they were able to dominate the Bruins. Rookie goalie Jeremy Swayman played well, better than someone making heir NHL debut, but he is only part of the reason for the Bruins’ win.

Marchand and Bergeron did what was needed to get the win, and that maybe the difference between the teams at this point, that the Bruins’ stars  can will their team to victory, and will do what it takes to get there.

The Flyers deserved better than a regulation loss tonight, and there seemed to be an unlucky element for them. There is no shame in losing to the Bruins , but where are these efforts against the Rangers and Sabres?

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