The last time these two teams meet, the Flyers played like they didn't give a shit, and they had a few reasons to give a shit. Like winning the Atlantic, winning the East, or pride. Just five days before that game, the Flyers lost in embarrassing fashion to the Thrashers, giving up four goals in the third period and losing in a shootout. Lets hope the Flyers do a better job of defending their home turf this time around.
The Flyers are coming off of a good performance against their divisional rival Penguins and are looking to build on some solid play, but they have had a hard time finding an acceptable intensity level in recent weeks. A perfect example of this lack of intensity is the number of power plays the team has earned over the last two weeks. In their last seven games, the Flyers have averaged 2.1 power plays per game, and three of those games only had one power play opportunity. The team simply hasn't been working hard enough to force the other team to commit a penalty.
Look for the Hartnell-Briere-Leino line to continue its good play tonight. They have been the most productive line against the Thrashers this season. Briere and Leino both have three goals and five points against the Thrashers this season, with Hartnell picking up three assists. If the Flyers' good habits are to carry over from the Pens game, I expect this line to be the one setting the example.
The Thrashers' playoff dreams are on the line tonight. An L tonight would close the door on a disappointing season. Even though their chance of making the playoffs is a long shot, I don't expect them to let it slip away without a fight. The Flyers could have their hands full tonight it they slip back into some of the bad habits that we have seen lately, but I expect them to build off the momentum they gained beating the Pens two nights ago. Flyers pick up the two points tonight 1-4.
1 comment:
I'm hoping Richards and his line gets into playoff form tonight. He's starting to run out of games so its bound to happen sooner or later
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