Analyzing the Key Reasons for the Philadelphia Flyers' Recent Success
The Philadelphia Flyers are 6-2-0 in their last eight games after a slow start to the 2014-15 NHL season. There have been several reasons for the team's improvement. Here is a look at the top five reasons for the Flyers' recent strong play.
There are many factors involved in the team's turnaround, but these are the top five.
As an honorable mention, the team's ability to overcome injuries to its defense has to be mentioned. The fact that opposing teams are still getting far too many scoring chances against the Flyers kept that from making our final five factors.
Feel free to comment on any one of these reasons or to add one of your own that was not included here. As always, indicate why you feel the way you do.
5. A Favorable Schedule
The schedule has been a factor in the Flyers' recent success.
Five of the last seven games have been in Philadelphia, and none of those seven included games on consecutive nights.
The Flyers have also not had to leave the Eastern time zone in their last eight games, which keeps the team well rested and focused.
In addition, the Flyers' last four games have come against teams that would not make the playoffs if the season ended today.
This is not to diminish the team's three-game winning streak and 6-2-0 record in its last eight games. Winning the games you're supposed to win is an important factor to any successful NHL team. The Flyers have done just that.
4. Staying out of the Penalty Box
Last year, the Flyers were the most penalized team in the NHL. This season, the former "Broad Street Bullies" are averaging just 9.1 penalty minutes per game, good for seventh best in the league.
The Flyers are not taking foolish penalties. By staying out of the sin bin, the Flyers are better able to roll all four lines and give their top-six forwards more shifts. It also cuts down the number of scoring chances opposing teams have in any game.
On those rare occasions the Flyers have been short-handed, they have done a good job of killing off those penalties. During the last eight games, the Flyers have been short-handed only 28 times and killed off 24 of them. That's a very strong 85.7 percent success rate.
The team's improved discipline has been a factor in its recent success.
3. Strong Play at Even Strength
Although the Flyers' power play has not been outstanding, the Orange and Black are playing excellent hockey at even strength.
During their last eight games, Philadelphia has outscored its opponents 24-14 at even strength. Even in a penalty-filled contest, most of the game is played at even strength.
Dominating play when both teams have the same number of skaters on the ice is also an indication that the Flyers have some depth in their lineup. This is not just your top five offensive players against their four best defensive players.
Winning the battle at even strength is a good indicator that the Flyers are playing solid hockey up and down their lineup.
2. Strong Goaltending
Both starter Steve Mason and backup Ray Emery are 3-1 during the last eight games.
It was particularly important that Mason get going. Before the recent streak, Mason was winless on the season at 0-3-1.
The Flyers' team defense has still been shaky during the past eight games. The team has given up an average of 34.25 shots per game during the 6-2-0 run. They allowed fewer than 30 shots on goal in a game just once during that streak.
Still, Mason—and before that Emery—have played well enough to keep the team winning. Mason has allowed just seven goals in his last four games and appears to have regained the confidence he needs to be successful.
How good has Mason been in November? Philadelphia Daily News correspondent Frank Seravalli notes this stat:
Steve Mason's save percentage from the season went from .878 at the end of October to .913 in a span of 4 games (3-1-0).
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) November 12, 2014
1. The Dynamic Duo of Voracek and Giroux
The Flyers' dynamic duo of Jakub Voracek and Claude Giroux has been red-hot and leading the team's offense.
During the last eight games, Voracek has four goals and 15 points. He is a plus-five and has 29 shots on goal. The Czech native has at least one point in each of the last eight games and multiple points in six of those contests.
Giroux has been almost as productive. He has two goals and 11 points in the past eight games and has at least a point in seven of them. He has 35 shots on goal and is a plus-eight.
Simply put, when your best players are playing at their best, the entire team benefits. That has been the case with the Flyers recently.
Voracek and Giroux have not just been good—they've been among the best players in the league. The result is exceptional offensive production and plenty of wins for the Flyers.