An In-Depth Look at the Positives and Concerns of the Philadelphia Flyers
Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov (9) controls the puck against the New York Islanders during the third period in game three of the second round of the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on August 30th, 2020 (John E. Sokolowski/USA TODAY Sports).
The growth of Ivan Provorov, and the scoring prowess of Kevin Hayes and Scott Laughton, the Flyers have a chance to be legitimate Stanley Cup contenders in the years to come.
Article by Dave Nguyen, AKSM Sports
PHILADELPHIA - Despite a valiant effort to force Game Seven in the second round of the playoffs, the Philadelphia Flyers fell to the New York Islanders last Saturday by a score of 4-0 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto last Saturday.
It ended a re-start to the NHL season mixed with emotions, but one that many fans will never forget.
The positives:
Carter Hart's performance: The 22 year old net-minder was able to prove to Flyers fans and the rest of the NHL that he is the franchise goalie for the immediate future. Despite some inconsistent defensive play in front of him, he became the youngest goalie in Flyers history to record a shutout in the postseason, had back-to-back shutouts in games three and four against the Canadians, and helped the Flyers force game seven with 49 saves on 53 Islanders' shots. In 14 games, Hart had a save percentage of 92.6, allowing 2.23 goals per contest. His ceiling can only go up from here, as fans have been awaiting the next Bernie Parent in the organization.
Ivan Provorov's consistency: arguably the most important position player other than the goalie, Ivan Provorov was an absolute force for the Flyers game in and game out. He led Philadelphia with the most average ice time, playing almost 26 minutes per contest. His play was vital on both ends of the ice; defending against the opposition's best scorers while serving as a catalyst on the power play and in the offensive zone. He will be remembered for forcing game seven against the Islanders with his goal in the second overtime in game six, tallying three goals, five assists, and a shot percentage of 13% -- fifth best on the team.
Laughton and Hayes racking up points: Centers Scott Laughton and Kevin Hayes provided a lot of offense for the Flyers in the postseason. Laguhton led the team in goals with five, including his game winner in overtime of game five and game tying goal in game six of the Islanders series, going top shelf on a breakaway after a New York turnover in the neutral zone. Hayes led the squad in total points with 13, notching nine assists and four goals, two of them coming in game two of the Islanders series. The off-season acquisition of Hayes allowed the former Ranger to make an immediate impact for the orange and black, giving the second line a scoring threat along with Travis Konechney and Michael Raffl.
Concerns:
Turnovers: The Flyers coughed up the puck too many times, forcing fans to feel the sense of aggravation and pulling hairs from their scalp. In 16 playoff games the Flyers had 187 giveaways, many of them turning into goals for the opposing team. Philadelphia's slow start in game two against the Canadians hurt them, as the Habs took advantage of nine Flyer giveaways, and the Islanders feasted on a combined 67 giveaways by the Flyers in games five-seven in the second round, 30 of which were in game six alone. Fans can guarantee that the orange and black will fix this statistic come next season.
Maintaining a Lead: Most notably in the Islanders series, the Flyers had a hard time playing the full 60 while keeping a lead throughout the game. In games two and five against the Islanders, the Flyers had 3-1 leads in the third periods of both games, only to have them squandered as the Islanders forced overtime in those contests. The Flyers know this will be a point of emphasis for next year.
Overall, there's a lot to be excited about for the Flyers for next year and the immediate future. With a stalwart goaltender in the making of Carter Hart, the growth of Ivan Provorov, and the scoring prowess of Kevin Hayes and Scott Laughton, the Flyers have a chance to be legitimate Stanley Cup contenders in the years to come.