Rivals Clash as the Flyers take on their Cross-State Rival Penguins
The Flyers have been abysmal over the last one and a half months, and It has been tough to watch this team play hockey. There is no fight in this team, and it looks like they are just giving up the season. However, they are still only six points behind the last playoff spot for the eastern division, but the way they have been playing does not get your hopes up for them to make the playoffs.
The Pens, however, have turned their season around. Their young players have stepped up this season, and the Pens are just two points out of the first place spot. Crosby is by far the best player on their team, and he is dangerous no matter what. The Pens bring a lot of firepower that the struggling Flyers need to watch out for. The Pens didn’t do much at the deadline; they added depth by trading for a former Flyer, 36-year-old center Jeff Carter.
The Flyers need to start acting like they want to be on the ice every night because the fans deserve better than the product they are getting on the ice. The fans have every right to be mad with this team. The Flyers need something to change this season because what they are doing right now is just disastrous.
With that being said, not everyone on this team has given up. Shane Gostisbehere has turned things around, with his defense has slowly been improving every night. Giroux has not given up either; he is trying to keep these guys focused and ready to play. Finally, Brian Elliot is laying out for saves because he wants to win games. Whatever is happening with the Flyers needs to change, and it starts tonight.
The Flyers need to come out firing on cylinders and beat the Pens tonight. I expect this game to be competitive and fought till that clock hits all zero’s. The Flyers need two points desperately in any way, shape, or form. With the way this team is playing, though, I don’t see a win for the Flyers tonight.
Players to watch:
Scott Laughton
Scott has had an ok season for the Flyers so far. He has 17 points (7 goals, ten assists) in 39 games so far this season. The Flyers did extend his contract at the deadline, which could mean Scott’s big things in the upcoming seasons. But let us focus on the season at hand. He provides so much fight that this team’s needs and skating ability are the best on this team. I look for Laughton to score a goal in this game and get back in that column. His last goal was on March 4th.
Joel Farabee
Joel has had an excellent season for the Flyers, racking up 30 points (15 goals, 15 assists) on the campaign so far this season. Farabee will be a great piece moving forward with the Flyers. He is a natural scorer with a remarkable ability to pass to his teammates as well. He is one of the young core guys that the Flyers will enjoy having on their team for a while. I look for Farabee to also crack the scoreboard tonight, as well as having an assist to his name.
How To Watch
WATCH: NBC Sports Philadelphia / My Teams App
LISTEN: 97.5 The Fanatic