The Hockey Herald

If you’ve been a fan of NHL Hockey for the past 15 years or so, than you are familiar with Jacques Lemaire’s style.  The Flyers arrived home from a moderately successful road trip to face on of the stingier teams in the league.  And, they rolled into Philly having just shut out The NHL’s top team, the Bruins, in Boston.

A big key to beating a team that plays the style of hockey that the Wild play is scoring first.  So, when the Flyers fell behind early, I wondered how they were going to respond.  But this team continues to show patience and resolve in all situations of the game.  Despite a steady parade to the penalty box, not all of which were legit in my opinion, and limited space in the neutral zone, the Flyers continued to play their game and wait for opportunities.  And those opportunities came.  They tied the game on a typical Scott Hartnell goal.  Going to the net, and picking up the garbage.

In the third period, another opportunity presented itself and the Flyers wasted no time, scoring on the power play for a 2-1 lead.  They capitalized on another opportunity when Scottie Upshall caused a turnover at the Flyers blue line and beat Minnesota goaltender Niklas Backstrom with a wrist shot on a 2 on 1 break.  And so, the team that never seems to get flustered had a victorious return home picking up right where they left off.  With another win, special teams dominance, and sole possession of 1st place in the Atlantic division.

Positives:

• This teams ability to not lose its collective focus.  Though they fell behind to a team coming off 2 consecutive shutouts, they didn’t panic.  And eventually they overcame Minnesota’s stifling defense.
• Scottie Upshall had 2 points (goal & assist) and seemed to be everywhere on the ice.
• Special teams.  The Flyers killed off all eight Wild power plays, including one minute of 5 on 3.  And, they capitalized on their only power play of the night, scoring just seven seconds into the man advantage.

Negatives:

• Whether it was fair or not, the Flyers took way too many penalties.  I’d say they need to be more disciplined, but I think referee Dave Jackson must have had money on the wild scoring at least one power play goal in this game.

Notes:

The Flyers handed Minnesota goaltender Niklas Backstrom his first lost vs. an Eastern Conference team.  Also, it was only Minnesota’s second loss to an East team overall * Jeff Carter was named to the NHL All Star team * The Flyers have now won 13 staright home wins without a regulation loss and 7 consecutive games overall * Mike Knuble collected his 200th point as a Flyer.

Related posts:

1. Final Thoughts vs. Colorado (12-16-08)
2. Final Thoughts @ Toronto (11-29-08)
3. Final Thoughts @ Anaheim (01-02-09)
4. Final Thoughts Vs. Washington (12-20-08)
5. Final Thoughts @ Montreal (12-18-08)