4 Interesting Lessons Learned From Flyers’ 1-0 Shootout Victory vs. Islanders
The Philadelphia Flyers, who were on a two-game losing streak, needed to put up a strong showing against the New York Islanders on the road. They should be happy with how they performed, especially since they won 1-0 in a shootout. What lessons did Philadelphia learn from their victory?
Cates Needs to Stay on the Wing
Noah Cates, 24, was tried out on the wing instead of his typical center position for the first time this season. Before last season, he had usually played on the wing, but he had such an amazing rookie season that he stayed at center for the whole campaign. While he was having a rather poor season, it has been difficult going since his fantastic debut season.
Many of Cates’ problems were resolved in this game. He may have played his finest game out of his previous 20 games when he started playing on the wing for the first time this season. For now, it would be best if he remained there.
It took a while for Cates to be placed on the wing because he hasn’t got the same spark as he did in the previous season. He had never played center center before, but his efforts as a rookie in 2022–2023 earned him nomination for the Selke Trophy. His game was seen with a great deal of optimism, with the idea that he could have a future in the NHL if he could increase his offensive totals.
His offense and defense have both suffered this season. It has been a challenging season for him as he has yet to score a point in November. Seeing him play effectively on the wing, winning puck fights and creating opportunities offensively, was a breath of fresh air. If Cates can resume playing excellent two-way hockey by abandoning the center experiment, then it must be done.
Foerster Just Needs Time
Tyson Foerster’s season has not been easy; in more than 320 minutes of ice time this season, he has only managed four points. With his seven points in his eight NHL games during the previous season, the 21-year-old rookie gave fans a lot to cheer about for his first real NHL season. His outstanding shooting, which he showcased during his brief stay with the Flyers the previous season, played a part in that. Although he hasn’t demonstrated it nearly enough this season, he made it very evident in this game. Really, all the child needs is some time to work things out.
In the shootout, Foerster was put out to end the fourth round of shooters with a chance to win the game. The Flyers, holding an eight-game losing streak in Long Island and a two-game losing streak this season, needed a win pretty badly. He granted their wish, getting the game-winning goal in this one on a decisive shot.
Ersson Can Take Steam Off Hart
Although Sam Ersson, the goalie, did not start the season well, it was not all his fault that numerous goals were scored against him. It appeared as though the 24-year-old was not performing at the caliber of a reliable backup in the NHL after giving up five goals to the Dallas Stars and seven to the Anaheim Ducks. He has recorded a 1.70 goals-against average (GAA) and a.926 save percentage (SV%) since the month of November. For him, it has truly been a story of two halves, and he has proven that he is not only a capable backup in the NHL but also a very good one. Carter Hart, his starter, can sap a little of his steam.
Although Ersson has continuously raised his level of play, his performance against the Islanders was his best yet. In a shutout win, he made 25 saves, yet there was occasionally serious risk when he faced a chance. Even though the Flyers had a strong game overall, he frequently saved the team. To make sure nothing got by him, he went back there. He can allow the Flyers to avoid overplaying Hart if he keeps using at the same caliber as he did in November. With Ersson holding his own in goal, the number of starts has decreased from October’s pace of over 64.
Tortorella Should Stick With Lineup
This season, head coach John Tortorella has been known to choose some dubious starting lineups, but the one he selected for this particular game was by far the greatest one he has created. Even though Philadelphia was one shootout away from defeat, the players worked well together where they were. Though given how well everyone played, it certainly wouldn’t be the best choice, it would be more thrilling if 22-year-old Bobby Brink were to return to the starting lineup.
Tortorella should be commended for the harmony in his starting lineup. Although they didn’t quite meet their production target, they did receive their opportunities. The Flyers won’t play a goaltender like Ilya Sorokin every night, despite the fact that the Eastern Conference is stocked with excellent goalies. Since their meeting on November 22, the Islanders’ goalie has made 74 of 76 stops against the Flyers this week. The coaching choices in this game would almost always lead to a victory by a little margin. Even though that didn’t occur, Tortorella deserves recognition.
The Flyers, who are now 11-9-1, will play the Carolina Hurricanes at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. Given that the two clubs’ season series is currently at 1-1, the Flyers will undoubtedly have an opportunity to defeat their division rival. The Flyers will want to use Carolina to start another winning run after they just ended a five-game winning streak.
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