Writer: Kevin Durso
Game 2 Preview: Flyers open home slate against Devils
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 DursoPublished09 Oct 2014
Less than two minutes separated the Flyers from points in the standings in their first game of the 2014-15 season. Instead, a late goal gave the Bruins the win and the Flyers a tough loss.
But Thursday night presents another new beginning as the Flyers debut on home ice for the first time this season.
The New Jersey Devils await as the opponent, playing in their first game of the season. The opening face-off is set for 7 p.m. from Wells Fargo Center.
The Flyers suffered a 2-1 loss to the Bruins on Wednesday night. Sean Couturier scored the lone goal in the loss.
Steve Mason made 31 saves in the loss as well. He stands to once again get the start in goal for the Flyers.
The Devils come off a season of struggle and parted ways with future Hall of Fame goalie Martin Brodeur in the offseason. This opens the door for Cory Schneider to take over the starting job.
Former Flyer Jaromir Jagr returns after being the Devils leader in point last season with 67. Patrik Elias, also a Devils mainstay, was second in points with 53. Adam Henrique led the Devils last season with 25 goals.
In addition, the Devils have several scoring threats in Travis Zajac, Michael Ryder and Stephen Gionta.
Adam Larsson, captain Bryce Salvador and Marek Zidlicky lead the Devils on the blue line.
Game Notes
- Power Play: Flyers (T-5th, 25th at home in 2013-14), Devils (9th in 2013-14, 5th on road in 2013-14)
- Penalty Kill: Flyers (8th, 10th at home in 2013-14) Devils (1st in 2013-14, 4th on road in 2013-14)
- The Flyers were 2-2-0 against the Devils last season. The Flyers claimed wins on Nov. 2, 1-0, and Jan. 7, 3-2, in overtime. The Devils defeated the Flyers, 3-0, on Nov. 7 and March 11, 2-1.
Flyers scratches: Blair Jones, Jay Rosehill, Nick Schultz
Flyers Projected Lineup
Line 1: Brayden Schenn-Claude Giroux-Jake Voracek
Line 2: Matt Read-Sean Couturier-Wayne Simmonds
Line 3: Michael Raffl-R.J. Umberger-Vincent Lecavalier
Line 4: Jason Akeson-Pierre-Edouard Bellemare-Zac Rinaldo
D-Pair 1: Andrew MacDonald-Braydon Coburn
D-Pair 2: Nick Grossmann-Mark Streit
D-Pair 3: Michael Del Zotto-Luke Schenn
Goalie: Steve Mason
Where to Watch
TV: CSN
Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic
Kevin Durso is the lead beat writer for Flyerdelphia. Follow him on twitter @KDursoPhilsNet.
