Flyers

Flyers-Panthers: Game 18 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 2021

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By Kevin Durso, Sports Talk Philly editor Flyers-Panthers: Game 18 Preview

After getting obliterated by the defending two-time Stanley Cup champions on Tuesday night, the week only gets more challenging for the Flyers with matchups ahead against the top two teams in the league standings. Already on a three-game losing streak, this could become even uglier in the next few days.

Less than 24 hours after that result, the Flyers face off on Wednesday night against the Florida Panthers. 

Game time is 7 p.m.

Team Leaders

Philadelphia Flyers GP G A P Florida Panthers GP G A P
Claude Giroux 17 7 9 16 Jonathan Huberdeau 18 6 12 18
Sean Couturier 17 5 8 13 Aleksander Barkov 15 9 8 17
Derick Brassard 17 4 7 11 Anthony Duclair 18 9 7 16
Cam Atkinson 17 7 3 10 Carter Verhaeghe 18 6 9 15
Travis Konecny 17 5 4 9 Aaron Ekblad 18 5 10 15

Players To Watch 11-24

Though it won't be announced by the team until closer to game time, it appears Morgan Frost is coming up and will join the lineup. Frost makes his season debut and looks to make his mark on a team that desperately needs a spark in some way. At the very least, it's time to see what the time in the minors did for Frost to this point and how he can apply his recent hot streak there at the next level. 
 
In the first meeting between these two teams, Jonathan Huberdeau scored a pair of goals, including a shorthanded game-winner in the third. Huberdeau remains dangerous, having just had a three-game goal streak snapped in the team's last game against Minnesota. He does enter the game on a four-game points streak.
 
Goalie Matchup 11-24

Martin Jones will get the call in the back-to-back for the Flyers. While he was excellent in his first three starts, Jones has come back down to the level typically expected of a backup. He hasn't been disappointing in his play, but the Flyers have allowed five goals in each of his last two starts.  

Sergei Bobrovsky is back in goal for the Panthers. It's already been quite the season for Bobrovsky, who has yet to lose a game in regulation, posting an 8-0-2 record in 11 games. He comes into this game off a win where he allowed four goals against Minnesota. That was only the second time this season he has allowed four goals and just the third time he has allowed three or more. He made 27 saves in a 4-2 win over the Flyers on Oct. 23.  

Projected Lineups

Flyers Line Combos 11-24

Flyers Scratches: Kevin Hayes (injury), Ryan Ellis (injury), Derick Brassard (injury), Patrick Brown (injury)

 
Opponent Line Combos 11-24
 
Panthers Scratches: Aleksander Barkov (injury), Noel Acciari (injury), Mason Marchment (injury), Olli Juolevi (injury), Markus Nutivaara (injury), Kevin Connauton (healthy), Maxim Mamin (healthy)

Lineup Notes

  • Flyers: With Frost coming into the lineup, that doesn't bode well for Derick Brassard's availability. Brassard left Tuesday's game in the first period with a lower-body injury. He was listed as questionable to return, but ultimately did not. Outside of that, no other changes are expected. 
  • Panthers: The only change to the Florida lineup is Lucas Carlsson will enter on defense in place of Kevin Connauton. The Panthers are currently without Aleksander Barkov due to injury. 

Game Notes

  • Power Play: Flyers (26th), Panthers (18th)
  • Penalty Kill: Flyers (10th), Panthers (16th)
  • Recent History vs. Panthers
    • Oct. 23, 2021 – Panthers 4, Flyers 2 (at PHI)
  • Flyers Leaders vs. Panthers
    • Cam Atkinson – 28 GP, 10 G, 10 A, 20 P
    • James van Riemsdyk – 33 GP, 10 G, 12 A, 22 P
    • Claude Giroux – 41 GP, 11 G, 16 A, 27 P
    • Keith Yandle – 13 GP, 0 G, 8 A, 8 P
    • Martin Jones – 7 GP, 2-4-1, 3.54 GAA, .862 SV%
  • Milestone Watch
    • Travis Konecny needs one goal to reach 100 for his career.
    • Derick Brassard needs two goals to reach 200 for his career.
    • Claude Giroux needs three power-play points to pass Bobby Clarke for the Flyers all-time franchise lead.

Where to Watch
TV: NBC Sports Philadelphia
Radio: Flyers Broadcast Network