Philadelphia Flyers: Can They Fight Back To Win Their Playoff Series?

Right from the get-go, it was blatantly apparent that the already fierce rivalry between the Philadelphia Flyers and the New York Rangers would only intensify once these two competitors squared off in a seven game series.  Thus far, this Eastern Conference stand off hasn’t disappointed as both teams have found ways to recover and innovate even when the momentum seems to be in the opposing teams favor.  Although the tenacious Flyers suffered a gruesome home loss in game three of the series, they have proven time and time again that even when all seems lost there is always a way to fight back to be the ultimate victor.  If the Flyers hope to regain the ground they have lost, they’ll have to regroup mentally and physically to shut down the confident Rangers who currently have a leg up on them.

The key to the Flyers success has been their exuberant albeit streaky offense that at it’s best is capable of shooting out any team they come across.  In the Flyers game two victory over the Rangers at Madison Square Garden, the key to their scoring prowess was their relentless attack during power play opportunities (scored on two out of three power play opportunities) and their aggressive physicality (33 hits in game two).  However, as gloriously as the Flyers were able to silence the raucous crowd at MSG during game two, they eventually had to face a shell shocked crowed themselves when they played their first game at the Wells Fargo Center.  While Goalie Ray Emery was the inspirational story of game two when he saved 94% of the shots he faced, he conversely game up four goals on just 20 shot attempts in game three.  Although Emery can’t be held completely responsible for the Flyers inconsistent mishaps, without a reliable goalie that can confidently endure the ups and downs that inevitably come with playing in a competitive postseason affair, the Flyers could ultimately be done in because of this unfortunate Achilles heel.

However, despite the Flyers finicky defense, their offensive fortitude hasn’t let up much at least in terms of their shooting capabilities.  Although the Flyers were manhandled in game one when the Rangers out shot them 36 to 15, the last two games in the series have shown a much more ruthless Flyers team that isn’t afraid to shoot first and ask question later.  Despite only shooting the puck 25 times in game two (the Rangers shot it 33 times), the Flyers were still able to score four goals on arguably the best goalie in the NHL in Henrik Lundqvist.  Yet, even with this type of resurgence, the well coached Rangers were able to give the Flyers a taste of their own medicine as they were able to score four goals with only 23 shots on goal in game three (the Flyers shot the puck 32 times and scored only once).

Given the erratic nature of this series, it become almost impossible to postulate how game four will pan out despite the Flyers devastating loss at home.  Both teams have made it evident that even when they receive a haymaker from their opponent, they find a way to get back up to land a crippling blow of their own.  Ultimately, the key for the Flyers to edge out the Rangers is to have a healthy goalie that can be clutch in critical moments to allow this offense to function and flow seamlessly so they can overwhelm the Rangers disciplined defense.  More importantly, the Flyers as a whole need to be a bit more methodical on offense if they hope to find the chinks in the Rangers stout defensive armor.  Although it’s not their MO to exhibit patients when it come to moving the puck down the ice, the Flyers will be able to orchestrate their offensive schemes much more effectively while avoiding careless takeaways.

When all is said and done, the Flyers are currently facing an uphill battle that will require a degree of heightened confidence and vigilance if they hope to get back into this competitive playoff series.  Although the Rangers may have the upper hand for now, the Flyers can use this false sense of security to their advantage by implementing a new form of attack that will catch this dangerous Rangers team off guard in the opening minutes of game four.  It won’t be easy, but if anyone can overcome this type of mounting pressure and adversity it’s unquestionably the never say die Philadelphia Flyers.