Flyers

Flyers-Maple Leafs: Game 23 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

Published24 Nov 2018

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12-12-2017_FlyersvsLeafs_2ndedit_credKateFrese-33

(Photo: Kate Frese)

By Kevin Durso, Sports Talk Philly editor Flyers-Maple Leafs: Game 23 Preview

The Flyers snapped a four-game losing streak on Friday against the New York Rangers. It's a step in the right direction, but it is hardly the end of the team's problems moving forward.

The Flyers next challenge comes just over 24 hours after completing the shutout win. The Toronto Maple Leafs await, fresh off a loss to Columbus.

Game time is at 7 p.m.

Team Leaders

Philadelphia Flyers GP G A P Toronto Maple Leafs GP G A P
Claude Giroux 22 8 20 28 Mitch Marner 23 6 22 28
Sean Couturier 22 10 8 18 John Tavares 23 14 12 26
Jake Voracek 22 5 12 17 Morgan Rielly 23 9 17 26
Travis Konecny 22 6 8 14 Kasperi Kapanen 23 10 7 17
Wayne Simmonds 22 9 4 13 Nazem Kadri 23 7 8 15
 
Player to Watch
11 Travis Konecny 24 Kasperi Kapanen
Last 5 Games: 3 G, 3 A, 6 P, +2 Last 5 Games: 4 G, 1 A, 5 P, +2
 
Travis Konecny was a sparkplug in Friday's win with a goal, two assists and even a fight. While Konecny doesn't figure to be much of a fighter, getting his offense going will be key and with six points in the last five games, he appears to be turning a corner.
 
For all the hype surrounding Auston Matthews, John Tavares and Mitch Marner, as well as all the talk of William Nylander and his contract, Kasperi Kapanen has been a player that slips through the cracks sometimes with the Leafs. But don't ignore him. The son of former Flyer Sami Kapanen has 10 goals on the season, including four in the last five games.
 
Goalie Matchup
33 Cal Pickard 40 Garret Sparks
4-1-2, 3.58 GAA, .878 SV% 3-1-0, 3.20 GAA, .906 SV%

Cal Pickard figures to get a second straight start on back-to-back days after pitching a 31-save shutout on Friday against the Rangers. Pickard would also face his former team in Toronto.

The Flyers will face Leafs backup Garret Sparks. Sparks has made just four starts this season, but been on the winning end of three of them. In two of his four starts, he has allowed five or more goals.

Flyers Projected Lineup

Injuries: Michael Raffl, Brian Elliott, Michal Neuvirth, Corban Knight

Scratches: Jori Lehtera, Andrew MacDonald

Left Wing Center Right Wing
28 Claude Giroux 14 Sean Couturier 11 Travis Konecny
22 Dale Weise 19 Nolan Patrick 93 Jake Voracek
25 James van Riemsdyk 40 Jordan Weal 17 Wayne Simmonds
23 Oskar Lindblom 21 Scott Laughton 39 Tyrell Goulbourne
Defense    
9 Ivan Provorov 8 Robert Hagg  
53 Shayne Gostisbehere 26 Christian Folin  
6 Travis Sanheim 3 Radko Gudas  
Goalie    
33 Cal Pickard    

Lineup Notes

The Flyers make no changes to the lineup from Friday's win.

Maple Leafs Projected Lineup

Injuries: Auston Matthews

Scratches: Justin Holl, Martin Marincin

Left Wing Center Right Wing
11 Zach Hyman 91 John Tavares 16 Mitch Marner
12 Patrick Marleau 43 Nazem Kadri 24 Kasperi Kapanen
18 Andreas Johnsson 26 Par Lindholm 28 Connor Brown
63 Tyler Ennis 33 Frederik Gauthier 32 Josh Leivo
Defense    
44 Morgan Rielly 2 Ron Hainsey  
51 Jake Gardiner 22 Nikita Zaitsev  
23 Travis Dermott 92 Igor Ozhiganov  
Goalie    
40 Garret Sparks    

Game Notes

  • Power Play: Flyers (26th, 22nd on road), Maple Leafs (9th, T-20th at home)
  • Penalty Kill: Flyers (30th, 29th on road), Maple Leafs (11th, 8th at home) 
  • Recent History vs. Maple Leafs
    • Oct. 28, 2017 – Flyers 4, Maple Leafs 2 (at TOR)
    • Dec. 12, 2017 – Flyers 4, Maple Leafs 2 (at PHI)
    • Jan. 18, 2018 – Flyers 3, Maple Leafs 2 (F/OT) (at PHI)
  • Flyers Leaders vs. Maple Leafs
    • Claude Giroux – 31 GP, 11 G, 19 A, 30 P
    • Scott Laughton – 7 GP, 2 G, 4 A, 6 P
    • Travis Konecny – 6 GP, 2 G, 3 A, 5 P
    • Cal Pickard – 2 GP, 0-0-0, 3.16 GAA, .882 SV%
  • Milestone Watch
    • James van Riemsdyk needs three points to reach 400 in his career.

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