Corsi Analysis: Flyers Contain Islanders, But Fall In Shootout
The Flyers lost in a shootout to the New York Islanders in a game where they were able to to outplay the Islanders for large stretches. Salvaging a point helps take the sting out from the loss, but anything less than two points injures the Flyers’ playoff chances.
First Period
CF10: CA:9 CF%:52.63%
The Flyers started the game executing a gameplan where they could pin the Islanders deep and limit any transition opportunities and cover the games first several shifts. Things began to unravel for the Flyers starting with a Brock Nelson goal.
It was another one timer, uncovered, that beat Hart. Jordan Eberle would strike in a similar manner just over a minute later, a one timer set up by an Ivan Provorov wipeout and turnover.
Sam Morin would be slapped with a five minute major penalty for boarding and a game misconduct. The Flyers managed to kill the entrie major, even generating a couple of short handed chances.
The Flyers outplayed the Islanders in the first period except for defensive zone coverage and that was the difference between 1-0 lead or trailing 2-1.
Second Period
CF:17 CA:10 CF%:62.96%
The ice was tilted for the boys in orange and black for most of the second period. They generated several odd man rushes early in the period and won puck battles throughout. The Flyers were able to create a 10 chance advantage by the periods half way point. They would lose some momentum, though as a series of penalties disrupted the teams’ rhythm.
Third Period and Overtime
CF12: CA:10 CF%:54.55%
The third period was defined by a tempo change, where the Islanders were able to turn the game into a physical contest of attrition. The first two periods the Flyers were able to play their mix of skill and puck control. In the latter stages, the Islanders conceded nothing in the neutral zone at the expense of most of the team’s offense. Even so the Flyers were able to generate a few high danger chances.
Corsi Winner
PHI D Robert Hagg CF:24 CA:8 CF%75.00%
Hagg played for the first time in 11 games, and looked pretty good doing it, With Morin’s ejection it was not the perfect circumstance for Hagg, but he was a plus 1 on the night and even generated a couple of offensive chances.
Corsi Loser
NYI LW Matt Martin CF:3 CA:12 CF%20.00%
Martin seemed to be more focused on chirping and punching Justin Braun in the face than possessing the puck. Possession is not required for Martin to be effective, and in the end wins and points matter much more than corsi.
Conclusion
For the second straight game the Flyers played well but failed to pick up the win. While it is encouraging to see the team take strides and to play well for long stretches, at this point the team needs points. With each loss the playoffs become less likely and the team looks more like deadline sellers.