Flyers

Flyers-Predators: Game 33 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 Dec 2018

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10-19-2017_FlyersvsPredators_3rd_credKateFrese-3 (1)

(Photo: Kate Frese)

By Kevin Durso, Sports Talk Philly editor Flyers-Predators: Game 33 Preview

A new era began for the Flyers on Tuesday night with Scott Gordon's first game behind the bench and Carter Hart's first game in goal. The Flyers managed a 3-2 win in their debut.

Things get a little normal for the Flyers again — no major changes before this home game — as they prepare to face one of the West's best. The Nashville Predators are in town, providing a test for a team that may still be fragile from a lot of changes.

Game time is at 7 p.m.

Team Leaders

Philadelphia Flyers GP G A P Nashville Predators GP G A P
Claude Giroux 32 11 29 39 Ryan Johansen 35 5 25 30
Jake Voracek 32 8 17 25 Roman Josi 35 7 19 26
Sean Couturier 30 13 11 24 Mattias Ekholm 35 3 19 22
Travis Konecny 32 9 11 20 Craig Smith 35 10 7 17
Shayne Gostisbehere 32 4 11 15 Kevin Fiala 35 6 11 17
 
Player to Watch
6 Travis Sanheim 59 Roman Josi
Last 5 Games: 1 G, 1 A, 2 P, +2 Last 5 Games: 2 G, 3 A, 5 P, -2
 
Travis Sanheim played on the top pairing in Tuesday's win and saw some increased minutes. He figures to see the ice a lot again against a strong offensive team in Nashville. He's handled himself well in his second season to this point and this is another chance to show his growth and development.
 
In a season that has been marred by injuries, but still successful for Nashville, Roman Josi has been one of the constants. Josi has 26 points, including seven goals this season and the captain is certainly leading by example on many nights. 
 
Goalie Matchup
79 Carter Hart 35 Pekka Rinne
1 GP, 1-0-0, 2.00 GAA, .909 SV% 24 GP, 14-6-1, 2.07 GAA, .927 SV%

In his NHL debut, Carter Hart got the win making 20 saves. He gets another shot against much tougher competition on Thursday against the Predators.

Pekka Rinne continues to be one of the NHL's elite netminders. The reigning Vezina Trophy winner is off to a great start this season and looks to continue his success on Thursday.

Flyers Projected Lineup

Injuries: Brian Elliott, Anthony Stolarz, Corban Knight

Scratches: Jori Lehtera, Jordan Weal, Christian Folin

Left Wing Center Right Wing
28 Claude Giroux 19 Nolan Patrick 12 Michael Raffl
17 Wayne Simmonds 14 Sean Couturier 93 Jake Voracek
25 James van Riemsdyk 21 Scott Laughton 11 Travis Konecny
23 Oskar Lindblom 44 Phil Varone 22 Dale Weise
Defense    
9 Ivan Provorov 6 Travis Sanheim  
53 Shayne Gostisbehere 8 Robert Hagg  
47 Andrew MacDonald 3 Radko Gudas  
Goalie    
79 Carter Hart    

Lineup Notes

No changes to the lineup for the Flyers from Tuesday's game. Under Scott Gordon, the lines are subject to change as well. Claude Giroux shifted to center and played with James van Riemsdyk and Travis Konecny in Tuesday's game, even though pre-game line combinations were similar to the above.

Predators Projected Lineup

Injuries: Viktor Arvidsson, Filip Forsberg, P.K. Subban, Colton Sissons

Scratches: Rocco Grimaldi, Anthony Bitetto, Dan Hamhuis 

Left Wing Center Right Wing
38 Ryan Hartman 92 Ryan Johansen 22 Kevin Fiala
19 Calle Jarnkrok 8 Kyle Turris 15 Craig Smith
20 Miikko Salomaki 13 Nick Bonino 51 Austin Watson
36 Zac Rinaldo 91 Tyler Gaudet 89 Frederick Gaudreau
Defense    
59 Roman Josi 4 Ryan Ellis  
5 Dan Hamhuis 14 Mattias Ekholm  
52 Matt Irwin 7 Yannick Weber  
Goalie    
35 Pekka Rinne    

Game Notes

  • Power Play: Flyers (29th, 27th at home), Predators (T-25th, T-25th on road)
  • Penalty Kill: Flyers (30th, T-26th at home), Predators (11th, T-14th on road) 
  • Recent History vs. Predators
    • Oct. 10, 2017 – Predators 6, Flyers 5 (at NSH)
    • Oct. 19, 2017 – Predators 1, Flyers 0 (at PHI)
  • Flyers Leaders vs. Predators
    • Claude Giroux – 15 GP, 6 G, 8 A, 14 P
    • James van Riemsdyk – 11 GP, 7 G, 3 A, 10 P
    • Shayne Gostisbehere – 6 GP, 1 G, 4 A, 5 P
    • Wayne Simmonds – 24 GP, 10 G, 6 A, 16 P
  • Milestone Watch
    • Jake Voracek needs two points to reach 600 in his career
    • Wayne Simmonds needs three goals to reach 200 as a Flyer.
    • James van Riemsdyk needs three assists to reach 200 in his career.

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