Flyers-Devils: Game 51 Preview

1-20-2018_FlyersvsDevils_3rd_credKateFrese

(Kate Frese/SB Nation)

By Kevin Durso, Sports Talk Philly editor 

The Flyers first game back from the All-Star break was another disappointing performance in a 5-3 loss to the Capitals.

Luckily, the Flyers don't have much time to sit on that loss, as they return to the ice on Thursday night to face the New Jersey Devils.

Game time is set for 7 p.m.

Team Leaders

Philadelphia Flyers GP G A P New Jersey Devils GP G A P
Jake Voracek 50 10 48 58 Taylor Hall 44 18 31 49
Claude Giroux 50 14 43 57 Jesper Bratt 48 12 19 31
Sean Couturier 50 26 24 50 Nico Hischier 49 8 22 30
Shayne Gostisbehere 46 9 24 33 Will Butcher 49 2 27 29
Wayne Simmonds 50 16 14 30 Brian Gibbons 45 12 11 23
 
Player to Watch
19 Nolan Patrick 63 Jesper Bratt
Last 5 Games: 1 G, 1 A, 2 P, +2 Last 5 Games: 1 G, 1 A, 2 P, -5
 
Nolan Patrick's placement on the second line with Jake Voracek and Wayne Simmonds had an instant impact, as the rookie had his first multi-point game on Wednesday. It's clear Patrick's confidence is getting higher and his overall performance has received a boost of late.
 
Nico Hischier may have been the star rookie for the Devils, but Jesper Bratt is having an equally impressive season. Bratt scored the only goal in the Devils loss to the Flyers in Philadelphia two weeks ago and is tied for third on the team with 12 goals.
 
Goalie Matchup
49 Alex Lyon 1 Keith Kinkaid
0-0-0, 0.00 GAA, 1.000 SV% 8-4-2, 3.11 GAA, .897 SV%

Alex Lyon got the call for his NHL debut during the third period of Wednesday's loss, relieving Michal Neuvirth, who admitted he was still feeling the effects of an illness during the game. With no morning skate, there isn't going to be confirmation until closer to game time, but it is expected that Lyon will get his first start in New Jersey on Thursday night.

Keith Kinkaid is in the process of a return of sorts. He suffered a lower-body injury in the Devils loss to the Flyers on Jan. 20, allowing three goals on seven shots as well in a forgettable performance. He did rebound with a 27-save win over Buffalo on Tuesday in his return to the lineup.

Flyers Projected Lineup

Injuries: Brian Elliott

Scratches: Dale Weise, Taylor Leier, Mark Alt

Left Wing Center Right Wing
28 Claude Giroux 14 Sean Couturier 11 Travis Konecny
93 Jake Voracek 19 Nolan Patrick 17 Wayne Simmonds
40 Jordan Weal 51 Valtteri Filppula 12 Michael Raffl
56 Tyrell Goulbourne 21 Scott Laughton 15 Jori Lehtera
Defense    
9 Ivan Provorov 53 Shayne Gostisbehere  
8 Robert Hagg 47 Andrew MacDonald  
23 Brandon Manning 3 Radko Gudas  
Goalie    
49 Alex Lyon    

Lineup Notes

The Flyers lines remain the same on Thursday as they were in Wednesday's loss.

Devils Projected Lineup

Injuries: Marcus Johansson, Brian Gibbons, Cory Schneider

Scratches: Jimmy Hayes, Steven Santini

Left Wing Center Right Wing
9 Taylor Hall 13 Nico Hischier 63 Jesper Bratt
40 Blake Coleman 19 Travis Zajac 23 Stefan Noesen
44 Miles Wood 37 Pavel Zacha 21 Kyle Palmieri
18 Drew Stafford 11 Brian Boyle 25 Mirco Mueller
Defense    
6 Andy Greene 45 Sami Vatanen  
2 John Moore 28 Damon Severson  
8 Will Butcher 12 Ben Lovejoy  
Goalie    
1 Keith Kinkaid    

Game Notes

  • Power Play: Flyers (10th, 5th on road), Devils (14th, 6th at home)
  • Penalty Kill: Flyers (29th, 24th on road), Devils (4th, T-7th at home) 
  • Recent History vs. Devils
    • Jan. 13, 2018 – Flyers 5, Devils 3 (at NJ)
    • Jan. 20, 2018 – Flyers 3, Devils 1 (at PHI)

Where to Watch
TV: NBC Sports Philadelphia
Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic

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