🔊When did the “Flyers” learn to “close down” their opponents? Philadelphia managed to win twice in three games for the first time this season. But, more unexpectedly, John Tortorella‘s team managed to keep a clean sheet. A fundamental change in outcomes appears to be on the horizon. St. Louis, on the other hand, suffered its heaviest loss in the current regular season. Their visit to Canada’s capital was unsuccessful.
Head-to-Head
Last season, the opponents met twice and exchanged victories on the road. First, the “Flyers” prevailed in Missouri (4:2), and then the “Bluesmen” almost returned the favor in Pennsylvania (2:1 on penalties). The best player of the match was Philadelphia forward Scott Laughton, who managed to score in every game.
Philadelphia
The “Flyers” are showing signs of qualitative changes. In the last three games, Pennsylvania hockey players have clearly improved their level of play. First, they managed to hold out and take two points in a shootout with Minnesota (7:5), then they fought against Montreal (3:4), and the culmination of their growth was a “dry” victory over an opponent in principle from Boston (2:0). The main question now is whether these successes were accidental, or whether the formidable coach has finally managed to make himself understood by his team?
St. Louis
The crushing defeat in Ottawa (1:8) was not the first warning sign indicating problems for the “Bluesmen”. It was simply the most serious. Before that, the team had been defeated in Montreal (2:5). Last summer, the management did a lot to strengthen the team, and the fans had every right to expect an improvement in the quality of the game. However, so far, the situation is diametrically opposite. Missouri hockey players don’t give the impression of being a formidable force in the West; in fact, the opposite.
Planned formations
Philadelphia: Ersson – Sanheim, Ristolainen – Konecny, Couturier, Michkov
St. Louis: Hofer – Suter, Parayko – Texier, Buchnevich, Kyrou
Goalkeepers
Philadelphia goaltender Samuel Ersson recorded his first shutout of the season. Notably, this was achieved against a principled opponent. The “Bears” made 23 shots on his goal but did not score.
St. Louis’ young goalie Joel Hofer should quickly forget about the fiasco in Canada’s capital. He allowed five pucks by half of the game. However, Jordan Binnington, who came in as a substitute, also failed to keep a clean sheet.
Editorial Forecast
The “Flyers” have definitely set a course to improve their defense and recently managed to “shut down” an opponent for the first time. “Bluesmen” are the ideal opponent to strengthen this ability. St. Louis does not inspire optimism in their attacking play and is sinking under the weight of internal contradictions. Playing against them with maximum defensive severity is quite within the reach of the home team. We recommend a bet – total under 5.5 goals.
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