The Philadelphia Flyers have demonstrated growth and resilience in critical areas, showcasing an ability to pull off tight victories, particularly highlighted by their first comeback win over the weekend.
John Tortorella, in his second year as the Flyers’ head coach, emphasizes the NHL as a “find-a-way league,” underlining the importance of finding solutions to secure wins. The organization believes that winning and development should go hand in hand with their ongoing rebuild.
While not flawless, the Flyers have managed to secure wins in close contests, preventing extended losing streaks. In their last six games, they hold a record of 2-3-1, with both victories coming in shootouts, preventing three-game skids.
Tortorella commended the team’s improvement in handling challenges, citing the resilience demonstrated in the locker room. Three of the Flyers’ last four victories were decided by a single goal, with the team holding a 3-4-2 record in such games.
The pivotal moment occurred in a recent game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, where the Flyers secured a 4-3 shootout victory. Scott Laughton’s game-tying shorthanded goal in the third period and the team’s ability to kill off a late penalty in overtime showcased their determination and depth.
With a current record of 12-10-2 through 24 games, the Flyers have shown notable progress compared to the same period last season when they were 8-11-5 and had endured a 10-game skid.
The Flyers’ penalty kill has emerged as a significant strength, ranking seventh in the league at 84.8 percent. Travis Sanheim and Cam York’s shot-blocking efforts, particularly on the penalty kill, have been instrumental. Nick Seeler leads the team in shot blocks, ranking fifth in the NHL with 65.
Given the team’s struggles on the power play, the effectiveness of their penalty kill has served as a momentum-changer. Tortorella emphasized the impact of blocking shots on the penalty kill, contributing to the team’s toughness and momentum.
The Flyers have also capitalized on shorthanded opportunities, scoring six goals, tying them for the most in the NHL. However, their power play has presented challenges, operating at 12.4 percent efficiency (10 for 81).
Tortorella acknowledged that the penalty kill has compensated for some power play issues, contributing to the team’s overall balance. Despite facing difficulties, the Flyers’ ability to navigate challenges and secure crucial victories reflects growth and resilience in key aspects of their game.
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