The fifth and final game of the Flyers' road trip ends in Toronto against the Maple Leafs. Since returning from the holiday break, it's the fifth game in nine nights for Philadelphia.
The Flyers did have two days off between their loss to Vegas and this game against the Leafs, though. Not counting the break, it's their most since the three days they had off between games on Dec. 14 and Dec. 18
It's the first of a home and home against the Leafs. The Flyers will return home to face Toronto once again in two days. The two will face one more time at the end of March.
Philadelphia Flyers
After not playing for a month, Ivan Fedotov will get the nod for Philadelphia. His last appearance came on Dec. 5 where he was pulled after the first period against the Panthers. He allowed two goals on seven shots. His last full start was a 22-save win over the Rangers on Nov. 29. Fedotov is being put into a tough situation, so the Flyers will need to be on their game in front of him. He's had plenty of time to practice, but nothing can truly simulate a game atmosphere.
The Flyers have relied on depth scoring, especially from the line of Noah Cates, Bobby Brink, and Tyson Foerster. Foerster and Cates have three goals and eight points in the last eight games. Brink has six points, all of them assists. It's a line that has survived some shakeups to other parts of the lineup. And it's for good reason as they've provided a spark.
Scoring has been up for the Flyers across the board over their last 20 games. They rank sixth in the NHL with 3.25 goals per game. The usual suspects, like Travis Konecny and Matvei Michkov, are contributing. Aside from the above players, Scott Laughton and Morgan Frost have also helped out. It's other parts of the game that haven't followed suit. It doesn't matter if the team can score if their defense and goaltending don't follow.
Flyers Projected Roster
Owen Tippett - Ryan Poehling - Travis Konecny
Scott Laughton - Morgan Frost - Matvei Michkov
Tyson Foerster - Noah Cates - Bobby Brink
Joel Farabee - Sean Couturier - Garnet Hathaway
Cam York - Travis Sanheim
Egor Zamula - Rasmus Ristolainen
Nick Seeler - Jamie Drysdale
Ivan Fedotov
Toronto Maple Leafs
The good times have been rolling for the Leafs recently. Since returning, they've won four of their last five games. They're coming off a big 6-4 win over the Bruins. Matthew Knies posted five points, including a hat trick. Mitch Marner also had five points, while Auston Matthews collected three in his return to the lineup. Along with Tavares' one assist, they were the only forwards to record a point.
Mitch Marner is having another strong season as his 56 points not only lead the Leafs, but they put him fourth in the NHL. He's third on the team in goals (14). It's William Nylander en route to his third consecutive 40-goal season. He sits at 23 goals through 40 games. He hasn't scored in six games after posting five in the previous three.
Dennis Hildeby is expected to make his fourth career start. He's won two of his three this season, though he hasn't played since a 24-save appearance over the Sabres on Dec. 15. His numbers aren't the best. Hildeby has a 3.68 GAA and a .875 SV%. But the Leafs have the firepower to outscore what their goaltender gives up.
Leafs Projected Roster
Matthew Knies - Auston Matthews - Mitch Marner
Max Pacioretty - John Tavares - William Nylander
Bobby McMann - Max Domi - Nicholas Robertson
Steven Lorentz - David Kampf - Connor Dewar
Morgan Rielly - Phillippe Myers
Jake McCabe - Chris Tanev
Simon Benoit - Oliver Ekman-Larsson
Dennis Hildeby
When, Where, and How to Watch
Time: 7:00 PM
Where: Scotiabank Arena
Watch: NBCSP
Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic
Live Stream: FuboTv
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