Flyers

Flyers-Devils: Game 56 Preview

By
Kevin Durso
Author photo
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

Published10 May 2021

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By Kevin Durso, Sports Talk Philly editor Flyers-Devils: Game 56 Preview

One more game. That's all that remains on what evolved into a disappointing and frustrating year for the Philadelphia Flyers. Four of their divisional foes will be heading onward to the playoffs, a destination that was the base goal for a team that entered the season with so many expectations.

All that is left now for the Flyers is one more match with the New Jersey Devils to close out the 2020-21 season. 

Game time is at 7 p.m.

Team Leaders

Philadelphia Flyers GP G A P New Jersey Devils GP G A P
Jake Voracek 52 9 34 43 Pavel Zacha 49 16 18 34
James van Riemsdyk 55 16 26 42 Jack Hughes 55 11 20 31
Claude Giroux 53 16 25 41 Yegor Sharangovich 53 16 13 29
Sean Couturier 44 17 22 39 Jesper Bratt 45 7 22 29
Joel Farabee 54 18 18 36 Miles Wood 54 17 8 25

Players To Watch 5-10

Sean Couturier had his season marred by injury, missing 11 games earlier in the year. He's battled back from injury and is probably not 100 percent following a grueling schedule, and as such, he has struggled at times. He does have four goals in five games against the Devils this season, so he could finish his season on a high note.
 
Pavel Zacha had a strong week against the Flyers in the four-game series between the two. He scored in the first three games and has three more goals in the four games since.
 
Goalie Matchup 5-10

Brian Elliott gets the start in the season finale on Monday night. Elliott turned in a solid performance in a win for the Flyers on Friday night. In what could be his final start with the team, he looks to end with one more strong start.

Scott Wedgewood starts the season finale for the Devils after Mackenzie Blackwood suffered an injury in a collision in the team's last game. Wedgewood has 14 starts this season, but has just one start since April 20.

Projected Lineups

Flyers Line Combos 5-10

Flyers Scratches: Robert Hagg (healthy), Sam Morin (healthy), Jackson Cates (healthy)

Opponent Line Combos 5-10

Devils Scratches: Ty Smith (injury), Mikhail Maltsev (injury), Mackenzie Blackwood (injury), Connor Carrick (healthy), Tyce Thompson (healthy), Marian Studenic (healthy), A.J. Greer (healthy), Nick Merkley (healthy), P.K. Subban (healthy)

Lineup Notes

  • Flyers: The only change for the Flyers is Shayne Gostisbehere's return to the lineup from a two-game suspension. Sam Morin comes out of the lineup.
  • Devils: No changes are expected for the Devils, outside of the goalie with Blackwood now out.

Game Notes

  • Power Play: Flyers (19th), Devils (28th)
  • Penalty Kill: Flyers (30th), Devils (31st)
  • Recent History vs. Devils
    • Jan. 26, 2021 – Flyers 5, Devils 3 (at NJ)
    • Jan. 28, 2021 – Flyers 3, Devils 1 (at NJ)
    • March 23, 2021 – Devils 4, Flyers 3 (at PHI)
    • April 25, 2021 – Flyers 4, Devils 3 (F/SO) (at PHI)
    • April 27, 2021 – Devils 6, Flyers 4 (at NJ)
    • April 29, 2021 – Devils 5, Flyers 3 (at NJ)
    • May 1, 2021 – Devils 4, Flyers 1 (at PHI)
  • Flyers Leaders vs. Capitals
    • Claude Giroux – 58 GP, 15 G, 38 A, 53 P
    • Jake Voracek – 46 GP, 7 G, 31 A, 38 P
    • James van Riemsdyk – 41 GP, 16 G, 15 A, 31 P
    • Brian Elliott – 16 GP, 8-8-0, 3.04 GAA, .880 SV%
  • Milestone Watch
    • Claude Giroux needs two power-play goals to pass Eric Lindros for 8th all-time in Flyers history.
    • Kevin Hayes needs one point to reach 300 for his career. 

Where to Watch
TV: NBC Sports Philadelphia
Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic/97.3 ESPN