Flyers-Islanders: Game 22 Preview

9-13-2017_FlyersvsIslanders_rookies_credKateFrese-25(Kate Frese/SB Nation)
By Rob Riches, Sports Talk Philly staff 

With three wins over the past 30 days and five consecutive losses, it's safe to say the Flyers are at a low point at the quarter mark of the season.

Sure, as the old adage goes, the only way to go from here is up. The Orange and Black just have to hope it doesn't continue to get worse before it can get better.

Of course, it's a tough task when they take on a surging NY Islanders club in only their second divisional game of the season, opening up a home-and-home series. Nothing gets you quite on track like a divisional matchup, and the Flyers will surely look to knock the stuffing out of the Isles.

One bright spot, though? More young talent. The Flyers recalled Samuel Morin and Danick Martel from Lehigh Valley earlier today, and both are set to be in the lineup. Morin makes his season debut after missing the first four games as a healthy scratch, while Martel is set to make his NHL debut.

Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. in Brooklyn, N.Y.

Team Leaders

Philadelphia Flyers GP G A P New York Islanders GP G A P
Jake Voracek 21 6 20 26 John Tavares 20 15 8 23
Sean Couturier  21 12 10 22 Josh Bailey 20 4 19 23
Claude Giroux  21 9 13 22 Anders Lee 20 11 10 21
Shayne Gostisbehere 18 1 15 16 Mathew Barzal 20 4 15 19
Wayne Simmonds 21 6 6 12 Nick Leddy 20 5 11 16
Player to Watch
9 Ivan Provorov 27 Anders Lee
Last 5 Games: 1 G, 0 A, 1 P, -2 Last 5 Games: 3 G, 3 A, 6 P, -2
 
The Flyers have to get used to life without Radko Gudas for the foreseeable future, and with Andrew MacDonald not expected to return to the fold for several more days, Ivan Provorov will be counted on to carry the weight. He's responded with goals in both of his last two games, and against a decent offensive club, he'll be worth keeping an eye on.
 
Fresh off a career-high 34 goals last year, the fifth-year Anders Lee is well on his way to padding that total, with 11 so far. He's been a steady offensive presence for the Islanders lately, with multi-point outings in three of his last five outings. In 12 career games against the Orange and Black, Lee has four goals and six points.
 
Goalie Matchup
37 Brian Elliott 1 Thomas Greiss
6-5-3, 2.63 GAA, .910 SV% 6-2-2, 3.33 GAA, .904 SV%

Last night was supposed to be a night off for Brian Elliott, but after Michal Neuvirth allowed his fourth goal last night, Elliott took over late in the 2nd period. He turned away all 13 shots he faced, and will look to carry that into tonight's game.

Thomas Greiss gets the nod for the Isles. He last stymied the Eastern Conference-best Tampa Bay Lightning with a 36-save effort on Saturday, helping the Islanders claim a 5-3 win. Platooning with Jaroslav Halak this season, Greiss has put up decent numbers, earning a better win total (six) and a higher save percentage (.904).

Flyers Projected Lineup

Injuries: Andrew MacDonald (lower-body)

Scratches: Dale Weise (healthy), Radko Gudas (suspended)

Left Wing Center Right Wing
28 Claude Giroux 14 Sean Couturier 93 Jake Voracek
40 Jordan Weal 19 Nolan Patrick 17 Wayne Simmonds
12 Michael Raffl 51 Valtteri Filppula 11 Travis Konecny
20 Taylor Leier 21 Scott Laughton 70 Danick Martel
Defense    
9 Ivan Provorov 8 Robert Hagg  
53 Shayne Gostisbehere 23 Brandon Manning  
6 Travis Sanheim 5 Samuel Morin  
Goalie    
30 Michal Neuvirth    

Lineup Notes

Following last night's loss to Vancouver, Mark Alt was sent back to Lehigh Valley. With Matt Read clearing waivers, that paved the way for Samuel Morin and Danick Martel to be called up — with Martel making his NHL debut.

Islanders Projected Lineup

Injuries: Nikolay Kulemin is sidelined with a shoulder injury, while Shane Prince has been out of action to this point after offseason ankle surgery.

 
Left Wing Center Right Wing
27 Anders Lee 91 John Tavares 12 Josh Bailey
16 Andrew Ladd 13 Mathew Barzal 7 Jordan Eberle
29 Brock Nelson 72 Anthony Beauvillier 66 Josh Ho-Sang
25 Jason Chimera 53 Casey Cizikas 15 Cal Clutterbuck
Defense    
2 Nick Leddy 55 Johnny Boychuk  
44 Calvin de Haan 50 Adam Pelech  
4 Dennis Seidenberg 42 Scott Mayfield  
Goalie    
1 Thomas Greiss    

Lineup Notes

Cal Clutterbuck missed the last two games with illness, and is expected to return tonight.

Game Notes

  • Power Play: Flyers (19th, T-12th on road), Islanders (12th, 11th at home)
  • Penalty Kill: Flyers (28th, 16th on road), Islanders  (15th, 17th at home)
  • Recent History vs. Islanders
    • March 30, 2017 – Flyers 6, Islanders 3
    • Feb. 9, 2017 – Islanders 3, Flyers 1
    • Jan. 22, 2017 – Flyers 3, Islanders 2 – F/OT
  • Milestone Watch
    • Claude Giroux still remains four points from 600 in his career.

Where to Watch
TV: NBC Sports Philadelphia+
Radio: 93.3 WMMR

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