The Flyers are entering the All-Star break coming off wins against the Kings and the Penguins. They now sit in sixth place with 60 points in a tightly contested Metropolitan Division as they are only three points back of the Islanders who are in third.
Let’s take a look at how the first 50 games fared for the Orange and Black, and preview what is sure to be an intense race in the second leg of the season.
First Half
The Flyers got off to a mediocre start in the first month of play and carried that into November. Things were looking like business as usual for the Fly Guys but a five game winning streak propelled Philadelphia back into contention in the beginning of December. Players like Oskar Lindblom and Travis Konecny were standouts. A few weeks later in the middle of December, Lindblom was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, a rare type of cancer that forms in the bones or soft tissue. Unfortunately for the Flyers, it seems as though Lindblom will miss the remainder of the season. Regardless of this, all everyone can hope for is that Oskar has a safe and healthy recovery. #OskarStrong.
This shocking moment brought the team and the fans together as there was something to play for. It invigorated the Flyer's play as guys like Kevin Hayes, James van Riemsdyk, and Ivan Provorov stepped their games up. The combination in net between the young gun (Carter Hart) and the vet (Brian Elliott) proved successful so far, but a right lower abdominal strain injury to Carter Hart has forced the team to call up AHL goalie Alex Lyon.
Also, it’s important to note that second-overall pick in 2017, Nolan Patrick still has not suited up yet in the 2019-2020 season. Patrick says that he expects to play this season, and it would certainly be a boost offensively if he were to join the team at some point during the year.
Let’s take a look at some of the top stats that Flyers players put up in the first 50 games.
Forwards
Travis Konecny: 17 goals (leads team), 26 assists, 43 points, plus/minus -2 in 47 games.
Claude Giroux: 13 goals, 22 assists, 35 points, plus/minus +7 in 50 games.
Sean Couturier: 13 goals, 30 assists (leads team), plus/minus +15 in 50 games.
Kevin Hayes: 14 goals, 13 assists, 27 points, plus/minus -14 (worst on the team) in 50 games.
Defensemen
Ivan Provorov: 9 goals, 16 assists, 25 points, plus/minus +1 in 50 games
Travis Sanheim: 7 goals, 9 assists, 16 points, plus/minus -2 in 50 games.
Phil Myers: 3 goals, 11 assists, 14 points, plus/minus +16 (leads team) in 32 games.
Goalies
Carter Hart: 15-11-3, 2.61 goals against average, .905 save % in 29 games started.
Brian Elliott: 12-5-3, 2.89 goals against average, .904 save % in 20 games started.
Previewing the Final Stretch
The Flyers open back up play on January 31, with the same team they played before the break, the Pittsburgh Penguins. It will be crucial for the Flyers to start strong after getting some needed rest, and getting back to back wins against Pittsburgh would help them gain the ground they need to make up.
Another key factor to ascending in the standings is consistency on the road. The Flyers are 17-4-4 at the Wells Fargo Center but just 10-13-2 on the road. It is integral to the success of this team that they win away from their home rink, especially against teams they should beat.
The health of Carter Hart and Nolan Patrick down the stretch could play a key role in adding depth and talent back to the roster. Both players are young, but bring a surge of energy to the ice and certainly help this team improve.
With the Flyers just one point back of the second wild card spot, and three points back of third place in the division, it is sure to be a fun ride for a young and hungry team that is looking to take a step forward after years of mediocrity.
Thank you all for reading! Leave a like or comment if you enjoyed. It helps me gauge interest to determine future posts. As always, have a great day!