Corsi Analysis: Flyers Contain Perfection Line for Badly Needed Win
The Flyers played a competitive game against the Boston Bruins, managing to limit the damage that Pastrnak, Bergeron and Marchand could inflict. That turned out to be a winning formula in the 3-2 win.
First Period
CF:15 CA:14 CF%:51.72%
It was a difficult start for the home team, as the Bruins were able to pressure the Flyers into shaky execution on passes and break outs that would turn into Bruins chances. Eight minutes through the period the Bruins had created a 10-1 chance advantage and the Flyers looked like they were going to be buried.
Bergeron would capitalize on a turnover, and while it was not quite a one-timer, he was able to take the pass out from his skate and with no hesitation rocket it by the reorienting Elliott
The game changed after a shift by Hayes, Laughton and Farabee turned the momentum. Laughton was the catalyst with physical play along the boards that generated a turnover that gave the Flyers their first bit of sustained pressure in the period. That shift seemed to shift the momentum to the Flyers who would lead 2-1 at the periods end.
Second Period
CF:14 CA:12 CF%: 53.85%
The boys in orange lived dangerously in the second period, giving the Bruins two powerplays. Despite surviving both minors without damage, the Flyers became unglued immediately after each penalty, rapidly ceding scoring chances, six of them in total. Half of the Bruins’ 5 V 5 chances that period were generated in the moments after the penalty expired. The post PK scramble allowed for the cycle that allowed the Bruins to find Jake DeBrusk, for a uncovered one timer, that beat Elliott to tie the game at two
Outside of the chaos after the PK the Flyers did a fairly good job dictating play, with Aube-Kubel netting six chance for while not allowing a chance against.
Third Period
CF:16 CA:15 CF%: 51.61%
The Flyers were able to fend off two Bruins powerplays but were able to neutralize their stars. That allowed the Flyers to collect the only two points on the afternoon. The Bruins looked more dangerous during the period, but failed to get quality opportunities on net shooting high or wide. To the home team’s credit, they seemed resolved not to let the “Perfection” trio win the game, battling them to a possession stalemate.
Corsi Winner
BOS C Karson Kuhlman CF:5 CA:2 CF%:71.43%
Kuhlman had a decent afternoon, as a bottom six forward he was able to win the possession battle against players like Kevin Hayes and Claude Giroux, in fact everyone except Shayne Gostisbehere. Kuhlman is a hard working player with some offensive polish, and this must be considered a excellent afternoon for the forward.
Corsi Loser
PHI LW Joel Farabee CF:4 CA:12 CF%: 25.00%
Farabee did not have his best possession effort, but did set up the game winning goal for the Flyers. He has cooled a bit in recent weeks, but is looking out of sync for long stretches of the game. Today it was reflected in the possession numbers.
Conclusion
CF:45 CA:41 CF%::52.33%
Possession would favor the Flyers slightly in was was an even contest. They were able to contain Bergeron, Marchand and Pastrnak to a single goal. Containing the Bruins’ stars seems to be the key to success.
The difference in the game was the play on special teams which netted the Flyers a goal and kept the Bruins off the board. Considering the weapons at their disposal, the penalty kill, and Brian Elliott should be applauded.
It is unclear that this win will ultimately push the Flyers into the playoffs, but a loss would have almost certainly have made a playoff birth a near impossibility. It is good to see that the team is playing better and competing every game.