If a divisional game is a four-point matchup, then back-to-back, home-and-home divisional games are worth eight points in the standings.
This is certainly true when looking at the Metropolitan Division
right now.
All eight Metro teams were in action last night, and all but Columbus secured at least one point in the standings.
The shootout winner by Jackson Blake gave the Carolina Hurricanes the critical winner’s point and sole possession of the top spot in the division.
But by earning a point last night, Philadelphia moved to the top spot in the Eastern Wild Card. To demonstrate how competitive it is in the Metro, Philly has the eighth-best points percentage in the NHL and is still looking up at three divisional opponents.
There were two major factors from last night’s game to watch during this evening’s game. First, the Flyers started the game strong, especially with shots and possession. Philly outshot Carolina in both the first and second periods, but the tide shifted during the second. The Canes started to find their game, spurred by their second line of Blake, Nikolaj Ehlers, and Logan Stankoven, generating the bulk of the shot attempts to erase the deficit.
The other factor was the blocked shots. The Flyers are averaging 14.7 blocks per game this season. Last night, the team had 21.
It was evident that Philadelphia had this in their game plan, but it was also part of reacting to Carolina’s improvement as the game progressed. In the second period, as the Canes were ramping up their play, Philly blocked nine shots. In the third period, the Flyers blocked seven Hurricanes shots while only putting two on net themselves.
A fast start will be key for both teams, but certainly the one on the road and coming off a loss. The Canes have allowed the first goal in eight of the last 13 games and must find a way to start bucking that trend. The Hurricanes are the top Corsi team in the NHL and had just 21 shots last night, the second fewest in a game this season.
For the Flyers, the player to watch must be Bobby Brink. The third-year winger has scored a goal in each game against the Canes this season, accounting for a quarter of his goal-scoring production this season.
Trevor Zegras’s resurgence is plainly evident. With his goal last night, Zegras matched his season total from last year, and his two-point night puts him at 30 points in 30 games. He has one goal and two assists in the first two games versus Carolina this season.
Zegras, Travis Konecny, and Christian Dvorak were a noticeable trio on the ice and will once again be a focal point for the Canes’ defense. Last night, the Flyers were able to get favorable matchups for their top line. Today on home ice, expect the Jordan Staal line to get the shutdown assignment.
In the opposing crease, Dan Vladar should get the nod for Philly. In 18 games this season, the Czech goalie has 11 wins, and has posted a 2.52 goals against average and a .906 save percentage. Vladar has won five of his last seven games.
In the postgame press conference, head coach Rod Brind’Amour said that after the first Flyers goal, he “liked the majority of that game.” This might not make sense at first glance, given the Canes had just 21 shots and were scoreless on two power play attempts.
But finding a new way to win, especially after a two-goal deficit, says much about this team.
Brind’Amour’s emphasis today must be returning to form for the full 60 minutes. Today is a quick stop in Raleigh between road games. After two in Washington and Philadelphia, the Hurricanes travel to Nashville, Tampa Bay, and Miami over the next week.
Former Flyer Shayne Gostisbehere had a great game last night, and he continues to impress this season. With two assists last night, Gostisbehere is now more than halfway to his points total from last season, and has done so in just 22 games.
Seth Jarvis’s third period goal last night puts him back on the NHL front page leaderboard, tied for seventh in the league in goals.
Despite still being tied for the team lead in points, Sebastian Aho has not tallied a point in the last four games and has just two points in the previous six.
Aho was all over the ice during the third period and had a couple of setups for Jarvis in the third and overtime. It feels as though his time is coming, so keep an eye on the alternate captain tonight.
The Hurricanes announced there will be no morning skate, and Brind’Amour will be available to the media at 2:45 PM. Stay tuned for Carolina’s starting goaltender.
Here’s how to check out the action:
Time: 5:00 PM ET
Location: Lenovo Center – Raleigh, NC
TV: FanDuel Sports Network with Mike Maniscalco, play-by-play; Tripp Tracy, color analyst; Shane Willis, analyst; Hannah Yates, rinkside.
Radio: 99.9 The Fan FM
Line: ML: CAR -250; PL: CAR -1.5 +110
