Flyers

Flyers-Islanders: Game 29 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

Published20 Mar 2021

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By Kevin Durso, Sports Talk Philly editor Flyers-Islanders: Game 29 Preview

The Flyers came out as a more determined team on Thursday and opened up a 3-0 lead in the second period. In a matter of minutes, that lead was gone.

Despite that, the Flyers did get the outcome they needed, as a late goal propelled them to victory. That was a step in the right direction, but it has to continue. They will face the Islanders again on Saturday night, closing out a four-game road trip.

Game time is at 7 p.m.

Team Leaders

Philadelphia Flyers GP G A P New York Islanders GP G A P
James van Riemsdyk 28 13 16 29 Mathew Barzal 31 9 15 24
Joel Farabee 27 12 12 24 Nick Leddy 31 1 20 21
Claude Giroux 26 7 16 23 Anders Lee 27 12 7 19
Jake Voracek 25 5 17 22 Jordan Eberle 31 9 10 19
Kevin Hayes 28 9 12 21 Brock Nelson 31 12 5 17

Players To Watch 3-20

Travis Konecny was moved to a line with Claude Giroux and Oskar Lindblom last game and had a dominant night, picking up three assists, including helpers on the first two goals and the game-winning goal. It's been an up-and-down season for Konecny in terms of production, but perhaps that game will help get him going.
 
Oliver Wahlstrom came into the league as a prospect that certainly has scoring ability. He's shown it lately, with goals in three of his last four games and seven goals on the season. That falls in line sixth on the team behind many of the established veterans, and with Anders Lee out of the lineup, his scoring could certainly help fill the void.
 
Goalie Matchup 3-20

Carter Hart was excellent through two periods on Thursday, then gave up three goals in a short span that tied the game. He still got the win, but he continues to work through some issues with positioning. He gets another chance on Saturday night. 

Ilya Sorokin has not had much work this season, appearing in just nine games so far out of 31 for the Islanders, but he'll get another chance in goal here. Sorokin was in net for a 4-3 overtime loss to the Flyers on Jan. 31. 

Projected Lineups

Flyers Line Combos 3-20

Flyers Scratches: Morgan Frost (injury), Robert Hagg (injured), Michael Raffl (healthy), Shayne Gostisbehere (healthy)

 
Opponent Line Combos 3-20

Islanders Scratches: Anders Lee (injured), Noah Dobson (COVID protocol), Ross Johnston (healthy), Leo Komarov (healthy), Sebastian Aho (healthy)

Lineup Notes

  • Flyers: The Flyers are not making any changes to the lineup from their last game.
  • Islanders: Barry Trotz hinted that some lineup changes could be possible, notably bringing Thomas Hickey into the lineup, but don't expect many changes.

Game Notes

  • Power Play: Flyers (T-17th), Islanders (16th)
  • Penalty Kill: Flyers (24th), Islanders (10th)
  • Recent History vs. Islanders
    • Jan. 30, 2021 – Flyers 3, Islanders 2 (F/OT) (at PHI)
    • Jan. 31, 2021 – Flyers 4, Islanders 3 (F/OT) (at PHI)
    • March 18, 2021 – Flyers 4, Islanders 3 (at NYI)
  • Flyers Leaders vs. Islanders
    • Claude Giroux – 55 GP, 19 G, 41 A, 60 P
    • James van Riemsdyk – 40 GP, 11 G, 22 A, 33 P
    • Joel Farabee – 6 GP, 3 G, 1 A, 4 P
    • Jake Voracek – 45 GP, 8 G, 27 A, 35 P
    • Carter Hart – 4 GP, 2-2-0, 4.00 GAA, .869 SV%
  • Milestone Watch
    • Claude Giroux needs one goal to pass Simon Gagne for ninth all-time in Flyers history.
    • Claude Giroux needs two power-play goals to pass Eric Lindros for eight all-time in Flyers history.

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