The Flyers head into today’s game coming off of a thrilling 2-1 win vs the Edmonton Oilers, looking to make it two in a row and four wins in their past five games. They’ll look to accomplish this feat against the 3-3-1 Anaheim Ducks.
Anaheim comes into this contest after dominating a dismantled Montreal Canadiens team, 6-1. Previously however, the Ducks had lost two in a row to the Colorado Avalanche who … holy crap the Avs are 4-1-0 to start the year?? WHAT IS THIS? Also, the Ducks have lost to the Buffalo Sabres, who had yet to win a game until their 3-1 victory over Anaheim on October 15th.
The Ducks get healthier
Last time the Flyers faced the Ducks, they were without Ryan Getzlaf, Hampus Lindholm, Sami Vatanen, Ryan Kesler and … I think you get it. They were pretty shorthanded. While Vatanen and Kesler will stay out of the lineup, Getzlaf and Lindholm will return for tonight’s game in South Philadelphia.
Getzlaf is the Ducks captain and still one of the premier centers in the NHL, and Lindholm is one of the better young defensemen in league. Anaheim has already put together a decent start to their season without these two, so one would definitely assume an increase in production with their returns.
Anaheim comes into today’s game with a team CF% of 46.41 and the Flyers stand not too far ahead at 47.99. What has been hurting the Ducks has been their defense in the early going 2nd to last in the NHL in CA/60 at 66.32 only ahead of the Ottawa Senators who Philadelphia faces off against on Thursday night in Canada’s capital.
As it stands right now according to Corsica.hockey’s statistical models, the Flyers are predicted to win this game with an average of 54.2%, the highest mark in favor of Philadelphia coming in at 59% via the Duplo model designed by Greg Sinclair.
The key thing to watch for the Flyers tonight is the first game for Ivan Provorov this season without Andrew MacDonald who will be out 4-6 weeks with a lower body injury. Provorov is projected to be paired alongside rookie Robert (Bobert) Hagg. Another change to the lineup comes in the form of Dale Weise most likely sitting in the press box in favor of Jori Lehtera. Jordan Weal and Taylor Leier also return from minor injuries.
PHI point leaders:
- Gostisbehere- 11 points (1G, 10A)
- Giroux- 10 points (5G, 5A)
- Voracek- 10 points (0G, 10A)
ANA point leaders:
- Cogliano- 6 points (2G, 4A)
- Vermette- 4 points (2G, 2A)
- Perry- 4 points (2G, 2A)
Stats via Corsica.hockey and NHL.com
