Flyers-Panthers: Game 28 Preview

12-3-2016_FlyersvsBlackhawks_2nd_credKateFrese-11Photo Courtesy of Kate Frese

As the Flyers look to extend their five-game winning streak, they welcome an opponent that they faced just two weeks ago. And while the Flyers handily beat the Panthers, 3-1, on Nov. 22, they'll be facing an entirely-different Panthers team.

Little did anyone know that it would be one of Gerard Gallant's last games behind the Panthers' bench, as the organiation, surprisingly, canned him less than a week later, replacing him with general manager Tom Rowe. Under Rowe's tutelage, the Panthers have struggled to gain steadier footing, posting a 1-1-2 record ever since –including a 4-3 overtime decision last night in Boston.

The Flyers and Panthers are set to face off tonight at 7 p.m.

Flyers Leaders GP G A P Panthers Leaders GP G A P
Wayne Simmonds 27 13 11 24 Jonathan Marchessault 25 10 9 19
Jake Voracek 27 8 15 23 Aleksander Barkov 26 4 12 16
Claude Giroux 27 7 16 23 Vincent Trocheck 26 6 8 14
Brayden Schenn 24 4 12 16 Jaromir Jagr 26 5 8 13
Travis Konecny 27 4 10 14 Keith Yandle 26 1 11 12
 
Player to Watch
17 Wayne Simmonds 68 Jaromir Jagr
Last 5 Games: 3 G, 2 A, 5 P, E Last 5 Games: 2 G, 1 A, 3 P, -1
 
With five points in his last five games — including a stellar two-goal effort in the Flyers' last game on Sunday against Nashville — Wayne Simmonds has been instrumental in the Flyers' win streak. He also opened the scoring in the Nov. 22 meeting.
 
At the ripe age of 44, Jaromir Jagr's still going strong for the Panthers, and despite a slow start to the season, he's produced points in three of his last five games. The ageless wonder scored against the Bruins, and made his presence felt in the Panthers' previous game against Ottawa.
 
Goalie Matchup
35 Steve Mason 34 James Reimer
9-8-3, 2.76 GAA, .904 SV% 3-4-1, 3.05 GAA, .896 SV%

Steve Mason will start between the pipes yet again, as Dave Hakstol looks to ride the hot hand. Last week, he won four games, while posting a 1.41 GAA and .945 save percentage en route to First Star of the Week honors.

James Reimer figures to start in goal for the Panthers, with Roberto Luongo playing the first half of their back-to-back set. Reimer has won just one of his last five games — making 33 of 35 saves as the Panthers topped the Rangers in a shootout, 3-2, on Nov. 20.

Flyers Projected Lineup

Scratches: Scott Laughton, Nick Schultz, Radko Gudas, Boyd Gordon, Sean Couturier, Matt Read, Michal Neuvirth

Left Wing Center Right Wing
12 Michael Raffl 28 Claude Giroux 93 Jake Voracek
11 Travis Konecny 10 Brayden Schenn 17 Wayne Simmonds
58 Taylor Leier 78 Pierre-Edouard Bellemare 22 Dale Weise
76 Chris VandeVelde 25 Nick Cousins 13 Roman Lyubimov
Defense    
9 Ivan Provorov 47 Andrew MacDonald  
23 Brandon Manning 53 Shayne Gostisbehere  
15 Michael Del Zotto 32 Mark Streit  
Goalie    
35 Steve Mason    

Taylor Leier will be slotted onto the third line, after being called up from Lehigh Valley in place of the injured Matt Read. He previously went without a point in six games with the Orange and Black last year, and scored six goals and 20 points in 22 games this year with the Phantoms.

Game Notes:

  • Power Play: Flyers (2nd, 10th at home), Panthers (28th, 19th on road)
  • Penalty Kill: Flyers (22nd, 17th at home), Panthers (10th, 6th on road) 
  • Recent History vs. Panthers
    • Nov. 22, 2016 - Wayne Simmonds gave the Flyers an early lead at 11:11 of the first period, while Dale Weise followed suit in the second with his first goal as a Flyer. Nick Cousins' third goal of the season gave the Flyers a 3-0 lead at 7:04 of the third stanza, until Reilly Smith snapped the shutout with 1:51 to play. Steve Mason turned away 27 of 28 shots faced, while Roberto Luongo made 25 saves on 28 shots.
  • Milestone Watch
    • Claude Giroux needs three assists to pass Rick MacLeish and Eric Lindros for 5th all-time in Flyers history.
    • Andrew MacDonald needs is one assist away from the 100th of his career.

Where to Watch
TV: CSN
Radio: 93.3 WMMR

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