Bill Meltzer’s Flyers blogs on Hockey Hot Stove are powered by Phans of Philly, Lights On Electric, New Balance of Mount Laurel, Cover All Exteriors, and our newest sponsors, The Mens and Boys Store and Carl’s Cards and Collectibles.
The Philadelphia Flyers, fresh off a 3-2 win in Game One of their Eastern Conference Quarterfinal series against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday, go right back to work oThey have an early afternoon practice planned at PPG Paints Arena. It’s a voluntary practice session. Game Two is Monday night (7:00 p.m.) on NBC Sports Philadelphia locally and ESPN nationally.
Blatantly ripping off the long-running column tag line of the great Bill Lyon, here are sudden thoughts and second thoughts between Games One and Two.
- The Penguins did not seem well prepared for the Flyers’ neutral zone 1-2-2. For long stretches of the game , especially in the first period, Pittsburgh struggled to gain either controlled entries or dump-ins with pressured retrievals. No doubt Dan Muse and his staff knew from their pre-scouts what to expect. Now they have to adjust. Philly limited Pittsburgh to just 17 shots on goal for the game.
- The Porter Martone goal last night — his patience and that shot itself — was tremendous. But it’s also one of those goals where, if its your team that scores it, you say, “What a goal!” If it’s the other team’s go, it’s “Our goalie can’t get beaten from that distance.”
- Rest assured, the Flyers intend to keep testing Stuart Skinner high to the glove side all series. Martone’s shot was gorgeous and perfectly placed. But that was the kind of play that can get in the goalie’s head.
- Down the regular season stretch into Game One, Sean Couturier has played some of the most physical hockey I’ve ever seen him play on a shift-in and shift-out basis. The Flyers’ captain has fully embraced his new fourth-line role. The Flyers are now able to roll four lines regularly. It’s made a big difference.
- The Flyers got key contributions from both veterans and youngsters. The Pittsburgh old guard — minus Sidney Crosby, who allowed himself to get frustrated at the rough treatment he received– supplied the modest offense for the Penguins on this night.
- Except for his early game roughing penalty, Rasmus Ristolainen’s long-awaited first Stanley Cup playoff game, was a big success. Both halves of the top Philly defense pair — Travis Sanheim and “Risto” –played an excellent game. However, the Flyers’ best D pair in Game One was the Cam York-Jamie Drysdale duo.
- Playing a team that has Erik Karlsson and career-long Philly killer Kris Letang, it was the Flyers that got major offensive contributions for the blueline in Game One.
- The Penguins came in trying to establish a high-pressure, pounding forecheck on the Flyers’ defense. That was especially true when Drysdale and York or pint-sized puck mover Emil Andrae were on the ice. Andrae had some issues with it at times. However, Philly dealt with it well overall.
- The disallowed Christian Dvorak goal in the first period was the correct call. Rick Tocchet and company knew it. There was no complaint.
5 Things to Track in Game 2
- Owen Tippett and Tyson Foerster both had several “near miss” plays during the game. I would not be surprised if Tippett in particular breaks through in the next game or two.
- Pittsburgh is normally a very good first period team. On Saturday, the Flyers took the play to them. Going in, the Flyers would gladly have taken a scoreless tie at the first intermission. However, on Saturday, Pittsburgh was the team lucky not to be trailing after the first period. The Pens no doubt aim for a faster start on Monday. Philly might have to weather an early push and then counter-punch.
- I expect Crosby to have a much better Game 2. The Flyers need to be prepared. On the Philly side, Travis Konecny had an uneven performance in Game One. There’s a better level to his game when he’s truly at his best.
- The Flyers’ power play was one of the few downers from Game One. Fortunately, the penalty kill was solid. Pittsburgh is the team with the significantly better power play, so another break even game on special teams in Game Two would be just fine.
- Pittsburgh dominated the faceoff circle in Game One. That’s another area for improvement. Overall, however, the Penguins have more adjustments to make than Philly as they get ready for Game Two.
Home › Forums › Flyers Musings: What to Watch in Game 2
Tagged: nhl, philadelphia-flyers