The Flyers first game in March, a home game against the Calgary Flames, set off a month of triumph and tragedy – sometimes in the same game. The Flyers scored twice in the third to even the score against the Flames before falling in overtime, 3-2, on March 3.
Days later, the Flyers defeated the St. Louis Blues and held a late 2-1 lead on the Boston Bruins as they looked poised to close the playoff gap to two points. A late penalty, game-tying goal and eventual overtime loss to the Bruins started a downward spiral.
The Flyers have lost seven straight road games, including all four played in March, as their playoff hopes have been dashed. A four-game road trip continues on Thursday night against the Flames, with the opening face-off coming at 9 p.m.
Perhaps the only thing left for Flyers fans to be excited about is Jake Voracek's push for the NHL points title and the Art Ross Trophy. Voracek enters Thursday's game with 69 points, three behind league leader John Tavares.
The Flyers have six players with 10 goals or more, and a few more closing in on double-digits. Michael Del Zotto, expected to return to the lineup on Thursday, has nine goals. Chris VandeVelde and Mark Streit also have nine.
The Flyers are planning to dress seven defensemen, which will leave at least one forward as an added healthy scratch. It will be Vincent Lecavalier out of the lineup for Thursday.
Steve Mason is expected to be in goal again. Mason is 14-16-10 with a 2.27 GAA and .925 save percentage.
The Flames are working to finish off a playoff season, currently sitting one point out of the final Wildcard spot in the West and one point behind the Kings for third in the Pacific Division.
Calgary has 10 players with 10 goals or more, including Jiri Hudler, Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan.
Hudler leads the team with 60 points while Gaudreau sits on 53 points.
The Flames have been trying to survive without captain Mark Giordano. Giordano leads all Flames defensemen with 48 points.
In goal, the Flames will start Karri Ramo. Ramo is 13-8-1 with a 2.60 GAA and .912 save percentage.
Game Notes
- Power Play: Flyers (3rd, 14th on road), Flames (11th, 18th at home)
- Penalty Kill: Flyers (29th, 29th on road), Flames (23rd, 24th at home)
- The Flyers fell to the Flames in overtime, 3-2, on March 3. Sean Couturier and Mark Streit scored third-period goals to tie the game before Jiri Hudler netted the game-winning goal in overtime.
- Milestone Watch: Wayne Simmonds needs two goals for 100 as a Flyer. Mark Streit needs eight assists for 300 in his career.
Flyers scratches: Matt Read, Vincent Lecavalier, R.J. Umberger
Flyers Projected Lineup
Line 1: Michael Raffl-Claude Giroux-Jake Voracek
Line 2: Brayden Schenn-Sean Couturier-Wayne Simmonds
Line 3: Ryan White-Nick Cousins-Zac Rinaldo
Line 4: Chris VandeVelde–Pierre-Edouard Bellemare
D-Pair 1: Nick Schultz-Mark Streit
D-Pair 2: Andrew MacDonald-Luke Schenn
D-Pair 3: Nick Grossmann-Michael Del Zotto/Carlo Colaiacovo
Goalie: Steve Mason
Where to Watch
TV: CSN
Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic
Kevin Durso is the managing editor for Flyerdelphia. Follow him on twitter @Kevin_Durso.
