The Flyers head into tonight’s game at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa to face a 7-6-4 Senators team, in the first match-up between the two teams this year, out of three. The two teams will face off again in a week from now in Philadelphia, then again in a month from now at Ottawa.
The Flyers are coming off of an impressive 4-2 victory at home vs. Edmonton this past Saturday, in which Claude Giroux found the back of the net for the first time all season long.
In that game, defenseman Mark Streit lead the team in scoring with two assists, netminder Steve Mason stopped 24 out of 26 shots, and Giroux, as mentioned, finally lit the lamp. The latter fact can only help Giroux, in his quest to regain his dominance and form.
Perhaps giving Giroux the captain’s role prior to this season was a mistake, as the role takes on a ton of extra pressure to succeed and fulfill duties. His skill sets are still there, but he’s been in a slump, and unfortunately the team goes when he goes, and that hasn’t been the case thus far this year.
Philadelphia won last game for the first time in a week, since their 1-0 victory at New Jersey on November 2nd. As for Ottawa, they’ve won three straight games, and have earned at least a point in five consecutive games.
Steve Downie, in his second tenure with the team, returns tonight to play, after a concussion sidelined him for over a week.
Local boy Bobby Ryan leads Ottawa in scoring this year, with 19 points (9 goals and 10 assists), in all 17 games. Ryan is third on the team in +/- rating with a +10 and second in shots with 49.
Left-winger Clarke MacArthur is also having a solid season this year for the Senators. He’s compiled 12 points in 16 games so far, but perhaps even more impressive, leads the team with a +13 rating. Also be on the lookout for Kyle Turris as well.
Goaltender Craig Anderson gets the start tonight for Ottawa, after missing the past three games due to a neck injury. Despite the injury, Anderson has shown to be a solid starter in this league, when healthy. He plays at his best, and more in rhythm, when he compiles more playing time per year.
For Philadelphia, starter Steve Mason will be getting the nod tonight. This season, Mason has been primarily good, despite a record of 4-7, with a GAA of 2.34 and a save percentage of .925, in 12 games this season.
At his best, Anderson is one of the best in the league. The Flyers need to test him, considering his rustiness due to the injury sustained, and early, in order to be successful. Although he’s been below-average this year (4-4 W-L record, 3.14 GAA), he can regain his form, and go beyond that, at any point in time. The Flyers’ offense, at times this season, has shown to be ineffective at opportune times. Thus, they need to take advantage of Anderson’s recent health woes, and power play opportunities in the game as well.
Anderson has had success against the Flyers in his career, going 7-3-1 with a 2.71 goals-against average and .921 save percentage in 12 games (11 starts).
The Flyers are averaging an NHL-worst 1.62 goals per game this season and have scored two goals or less in 14 of their 16 contests. Getting goals early, and taking advantage of opportunities are key. Flyers are a +4 in the first period this season, and a -22 from the second period on this season. Putting together a full, consistent, 60-minute effort this game, and going forward, is most important if the team wants any chance of turning this abysmal season so far around.
With Downie back in the lineup for Philadelphia, Kris Newbury, Michael Raffl or Jay Rosehill could be the odd man out, as a healthy scratch.
Fact of the Day
• Visiting teams are 2 for 39 on the power play in Ottawa this season.
Injury Report
Philadelphia
No | Player | Date | Status | Injury |
---|---|---|---|---|
43 | Marc-Andre Bourdon | Sep 11 | Injured Reserve | Post-concussion syndrome |
20 | Chris Pronger | Sep 11 | Injured Reserve | Post-concussion syndrome |
Ottawa
No | Player | Date | Status | Injury |
---|---|---|---|---|
22 | Erik Condra | Nov 2 | Injured Reserve | Strained leg muscle |
Keys to the Game
Philadelphia
01. Test Anderson, and early
02. Control and win the giveaway/takeaway battle
03. Play a strong game, and put together a full, 60 minute effort
Ottawa
01. Play solid defense in front of Anderson in his return
02. Shut down Giroux, who’s confidence could be potentially restored after scoring last game
03. Win the battle of the boards
Standout Star/Player of the Game Prediction
Claude Giroux
Game Prediction
Flyers win, 3-2.
Tags: Claude Giroux, Flyers, Hockey, NHL, ottawa, ottawa senators, philadelphia, Philadelphia Flyers, senators, Talk Sports Philly
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