Flyers

Flyers-Blackhawks: Game 55 Preview

By
Kevin Durso
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Kevin Durso Sports Editor

I have been writing for Sports Talk Philly since 2011. Currently editor and lead writer of Philadelphia Flyers coverage. Co-host of the YWT Podcast. I also am Flyers insider for 97.3 ESPN-FM in South Jersey. I graduated from Cabrini University in 2014.

All posts by Kevin Durso
Sports Editor

Published05 Mar 2022

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By Kevin Durso, Sports Talk Philly editor Flyers-Blackhawks: Game 55 Preview

On multiple occasions in the past month, the Flyers have been close to winning a few games. More times than not, they just simply find a way to come out on the other end of the decision. Entering Saturday's game, it's now 21 losses in the last 24 games.

This includes losses in eight of the last nine games, the last six games all coming on home ice. The homestand nears its end, as the Flyers take on the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday afternoon. 

Game time is 3 p.m.

Team Leaders

Philadelphia Flyers GP G A P Chicago Blackhawks GP G A P
Claude Giroux 51 17 23 40 Patrick Kane 51 17 38 55
Cam Atkinson 54 18 21 39 Alex DeBrincat 55 30 16 46
Travis Konecny 52 9 23 32 Seth Jones 51 3 32 35
Scott Laughton 51 11 15 26 Brandon Hagel 49 17 13 30
James van Riemsdyk 54 12 9 21 Dylan Strome 42 9 13 22

Players To Watch 3-5

Kevin Hayes makes his return to the lineup for the first time since Jan. 17. Hayes has played through injury for much of the season, undergoing multiple procedures. His most recent return lasted from Dec. 1 through Jan. 17, a stretch of 18 games where he scored two goals and had seven points. It's fair to wonder if Hayes is truly healthy enough to play and if it's even a good idea for his to return in a season that has essentially been lost since his initial return in December. 
 
Patrick Kane comes into the game on a hot streak. Kane had a goal and an assist in his last game on Thursday night against Edmonton. Three games ago against New Jersey, he posted a hat trick and four-point game. 
 
Goalie Matchup 3-5

Martin Jones makes the start for the Flyers. Jones gets his first start since Feb. 22, when he allowed two goals on 24 shots in a loss to the St. Louis Blues. Jones has lost eight straight starts going back to Dec. 29. He had allowed three or more goals in seven straight starts prior to his most recent against the Blues.

Kevin Lankinen makes his return in goal for the Blackhawks. This is his first start since last Friday when he got the win against the New Jersey Devils despite allowing five goals on 36 shots. That was Lankinen's first win since Nov. 26, having lost his previous four starts since. Lankinen has appeared in just 14 games this season, including just three since Dec. 18. 

Projected Lineups

Flyers Line Combos 3-5

Flyers Scratches: Sean Couturier (injury), Ryan Ellis (injury), Nate Thompson (injury), Wade Allison (injury), Kevin Connauton (healthy), Gerry Mayhew (healthy)

 
Opponent Line Combos 3-5
 
Blackhawks Scratches: Jujhar Khaira (injury), Reese Johnson (injury), Henrik Borgstrom (healthy), Erik Gustafsson (healthy)
 
Lineup Notes
  • Flyers: Justin Braun left Thursday's game early with the flu. The hope is that he'll play, but he could be a game-time decision.
  • Blackhawks: No changes are expected to the Chicago lineup.

Game Notes

  • Power Play: Flyers (30th), Blackhawks (16th)
  • Penalty Kill: Flyers (24th), Blackhawks (28th)
  • Recent History vs. Blackhawks
    • Oct. 24, 2019 – Flyers 4, Blackhawks 1 (at CHI)
    • Oct. 4, 2019 – Flyers 4, Blackhawks 3 (at NHL Global Series in Prague)
  • Flyers Leaders vs. Blackhawks
    • Claude Giroux – 18 GP, 6 G, 18 A, 24 P
    • Cam Atkinson – 25 GP, 9 G, 12 A, 21 P
    • Travis Konecny – 8 GP, 2 G, 4 A, 6 P
    • Martin Jones – 14 GP, 7-5-1, 2.48 GAA, .914 SV%
  • Milestone Watch
    • Derick Brassard needs two goals to reach 200 for his career.
    • Claude Giroux needs two points to reach 900 for his career.

Where to Watch
TV: ABC
Radio: Flyers Broadcast Network