Flyers

Flyers-Penguins: Game 43 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

Published15 Apr 2021

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By Kevin Durso, Sports Talk Philly editor Flyers-Penguins: Game 43 Preview

The month of April is typically known for the final few days of the NHL's regular season. For many teams, that can mean either one last push for the playoffs or the final few games that are a mere formality.

Thursday marks the mid-point of April, and for the Flyers, they are certainly now in a spot where most of what's left on the 56-game schedule is nothing more than formality at this point. A 6-1 loss to Washington, their fifth by that score this season, on Tuesday to follow up the trade deadline has made the remaining 14 games on the schedule all about auditioning for next season.

That continues on Thursday night, as the Flyers head to Pittsburgh to face the Penguins, who recently acquired a familiar face at the deadline. 

Game time is at 7 p.m.

Team Leaders

Philadelphia Flyers GP G A P Pittsburgh Penguins GP G A P
James van Riemsdyk 42 13 21 34 Sidney Crosby 41 16 32 48
Jake Voracek 39 7 25 32 Jake Guentzel 42 20 25 45
Claude Giroux 40 11 20 31 Kris Letang 41 7 27 34
Sean Couturier 31 13 18 31 Bryan Rust 42 16 17 33
Joel Farabee 41 15 15 30 Evgeni Malkin 29 8 16 24

Players To Watch 4-15

Claude Giroux had a particularly poor game on Tuesday, posting a minus-3 in the 6-1 loss to Washington. He's been held to just one point in the last five games. At this point, it's about playing for pride, and Giroux should be the most frustrated with the number of lopsided defeats this team has taken.
 
Jeff Carter makes his debut with the Penguins after being traded on Sunday night. Carter had started to put some points together, with three in his last three games prior to the trade. Now in a position to make a playoff run with a contender, this is Carter's chance to make a good first impression as a Penguin.
 
Goalie Matchup 4-15

Carter Hart is expected to get back in goal for the Flyers on Thursday. Hart was having a solid start before the late-game collapse to Buffalo, allowing two goals in the final four minutes of the game in the loss. The results are not as important as the process for Hart, getting his head clear and showing the confidence that made him a must-watch in goal. He gets another chance at that on Thursday.

Tristan Jarry gets the start for Pittsburgh. Jarry has been on a roll of late. With the exception of a rough start against the Rangers on April 6 where he allowed four goals on 11 shots, Jarry has won five of his last six starts. 

Projected Lineups

Flyers Line Combos 4-15 Updated

Flyers Scratches: Morgan Frost (injury), Nicolas Aube-Kubel (healthy), Sam Morin (healthy)

 
Opponent Line Combos 4-15

Penguins Scratches: Evgeni Malkin (injury), Kasperi Kapanen (injury), Mark Friedman (injury), Brandon Tanev (injury), Frederick Gaudreau (injury), Chad Ruhwedel (healthy), Sam Lafferty (healthy)

Lineup Notes

  • Flyers: Wade Allison will make his NHL debut, playing alongside Nolan Patrick and Oskar Lindblom. Nicolas Aube-Kubel comes out of the lineup. There will also be a change on defense as Phil Myers comes in and Sam Morin comes out.
  • Penguins: The Penguins are dealing with some injuries, notably to Evgeni Malkin and Kasperi Kapanen, but will welcome Jeff Carter to the lineup. 

Game Notes

  • Power Play: Flyers (T-19th), Penguins (10th)
  • Penalty Kill: Flyers (30th), Penguins (24th)
  • Recent History vs. Penguins
    • Jan. 13, 2021 – Flyers 6, Penguins 3 (at PHI)
    • Jan. 15, 2021 – Flyers 5, Penguins 2 (at PHI)
    • March 2, 2021 – Penguins 5, Flyers 2 (at PIT)
    • March 4, 2021 – Flyers 4, Penguins 3 (at PIT)
    • March 6, 2021 – Penguins 4, Flyers 3 (at PIT)
  • Flyers Leaders vs. Penguins
    • Joel Farabee – 7 GP, 3 G, 5 A, 8 P
    • Claude Giroux – 56 GP, 18 G, 39 A, 57 P
    • Jake Voracek – 48 GP, 23 G, 24 A, 47 P
    • Carter Hart – 6 GP, 3-2-0, 2.82 GAA, .913 SV%
  • Milestone Watch
    • Claude Giroux needs two power-play goals to pass Eric Lindros for 8th all-time in Flyers history.
    • Claude Giroux needs four points to pass Brian Propp for 3rd all-time in Flyers history.

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