The Philadelphia Flyers (29-32-12) are coming off an incredible 7 game long home stand, going 5-1-1. Continuing to be one of the hottest teams in the month of March. Felix Sandström earned his 2nd win of the season on Tuesday, after Hart was a late scratch with a lower body injury. Felix answered the call making 27 saves on 29 shots, with a .931 SV% to help carry the Flyers to a 3-2 victory over the Canadiens. Hart is still out day-to-day and didn’t travel with the team to Ottawa.
The Flyers now turn to the Ottawa Senators (36-33-5) who are 3-2-0 in their last 5 games. This was meant to be a staple year for the Senators, as they improved their core a lot in the off-season. Falling short of their playoff expectation, sitting 5th in the wild card race in the Eastern Conference. The playoffs aren’t completely out of the picture but the team still doesn’t look strong enough for a deep playoff run.
On Tuesday just a couple hours before Tuesday’s game, the Flyers called up Samuel Ersson on emergency. Carter Hart had suffered a lower body injury and is out day-to-day. Sandström looks to be the starter against the Senators.
Key Players:
Noah Cates and Morgan Frost have found their games as of late, which is exciting to see as the young talent in Philadelphia is excelling. As well Joel Farabee has continued to improve after his slump. Noah Cates after a rough first season in the NHL, has earned the playing time and has points to show for it. With 33 points on the year and 6 in his last 5 games, Cates looks comfortable at the NHL level especially on the first line with Owen Tippett. Morgan Frost pocketed 2 goals against Montreal on Tuesday and and also has 6 points in 5 games. The 23-year-old is having a career year with 38 points, just 2 away from a 40 point milestone. For both Frost and Cates this is the most they have played in the NHL and I think it has really helped improve their game.
Brady Tkachuk and Claude Giroux have been the bread and butter for the Ottawa Senators this season. Tkachuk is having a career year with 77 points in 74 games and Giroux is having his highest point season since 2018-19, with 71 points in 74 games. The last time Giroux broke 70 points was the 2018 season when he had 85.
Projected Goalie Matchup and Lineups:
Felix Sandström 2-10-2 3.49 GAA, .894 SV%
Cam Talbot 15-14-1, 2.85 GAA, .905 SV%.
Projected Lineup – Philadelphia Flyers
Farabee – Cates – Tippett
Lemieux – Frost – Allison
JVR – Hayes – Bellows
Deslauriers – Laughton – Laczynski
Provorov – York
Sanheim – Ristolainen
Seeler – DeAngelo
Sandström
Scratched: Justin Braun
Injured: Cam Atkinson (out for season), Sean Couturier (back), Ryan Ellis (long term), Travis Konecny (long term), Carter Hart (day-to-day)
Projected Lineup – Ottawa Senators
Tkachuk – Stutzle – Giroux
DeBrincat – Pinto – Batherson
Brassard – Gambrell – Joseph
Brown – Kastelic – Watson
Sanderson – Zub
Brannstrom – Hamonic
Kleven – Holden
Talbot
Scratched: Julien Gauthier
Injured: Josh Norris (shoulder), Anton Forsberg (MCL tears), Parker Kelly (undisclosed), Jakob Chychrun (hamstring), Ridly Greig (sternum), Thomas Chabot (upper body)
How To Watch:
TV: USA – NBC Sports Philadelphia, ET/ESPN+, Hulu. CAN – ESPN+, TSN2, RDS and Sportsnet. Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic
By: Dylan H. Robillard (@dyl2pac) 17 year old Graphic Designer & Writer Instagram: @dyl2creative
Photo Credit: nhl.com
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