Game 20 Preview: Flyers hit road, face red-hot Islanders

Kevin Durso

November 24 2014

It took two weeks, but the Flyers finally re-entered the win column on Saturday night, defeating Columbus, 4-2, to snap a four-game losing streak. Just in time for a nice long road trip.

The Flyers next two games come on the road. After a Black Friday matinee against the Rangers, the Flyers next five games after that will also be on the road, including a West Coast trip.

The Flyers first game of that road trip comes on Monday night against the upstart New York Islanders, tied for first in the Metropolitan Division. The opening face-off from Nassau Coliseum is set for 7 p.m.

As a whole, the Flyers are still look to put everything together. The top line of Claude Giroux, Jake Voracek and Brayden Schenn has clicked nicely since Schenn was added to the group in wake of Michael Raffl's injury.

Voracek leads all NHL players with 29 points. Giroux is tied for fourth with 24.

But the rest of the lines are still looking for a spark. One player providing energy has been Scott Laughton. Laughton's ice time is increasing by the game, even though he has no points to show for his solid effort.

Defensively, it will be interesting to see if the Flyers roll out seven defensemen as they did on Saturday. Luke Schenn sat out much of the third period despite being healthy. Perhaps he'll be the odd-man out as a healthy scratch if the Flyers do decide to go back to 12 forwards.

In goal, Steve Mason gets the start. Mason is 4-6-1 with a 2.86 GAA and .913 save percentage.

The Islanders continue to get point production from all sources. Seven players have at least 10 points this season, compared to five for the Flyers.

As expected, John Tavares leads the way with 20 points. Tavares has eight goals and 12 assists this season.

Kyle Okposo and Frans Nielsen have been strong scorers this season as well. Okposo has 19 points and Nielsen has 12.

Two of the biggest surprises for the Islanders have been Brock Nelson and Ryan Strome. Both playing in their second NHL season, both are closing in on eclipsing their rookie point totals.

Strome has 15 points this season, including 11 assists. Nelson is tied for second with 19 points and leads the team with 10 goals.

Defensively, the Islanders have added an offensive element on the blue line with the addition of Johnny Boychuk. Boychuk has 13 points this season. Nick Leddy, Travis Hamonic and Brian Strait also man the Islanders blue line.

In goal, the Islanders will start Jaroslav Halak. In 13 games this season, Halak is 9-4-0 with a 2.42 GAA and .918 save percentage.

The Flyers have a

Game Notes

Power Play: Flyers (4th, 24th on road), Islanders (15th, 6th at home)
Penalty Kill: Flyers (30th, 30th on road), Islanders (25th, 27th at home)
The Flyers posted a 3-0-1 record in the season series in 2013-14, winning 5-2 on Oct. 26, 5-2 again on Nov. 23, claiming a 6-4 win on Jan. 18 before losing in a shootout on Jan. 20, 4-3.
Milestone Watch: R.J. Umberger needs one assist for 200 in his career.

Flyers scratches: Michael Raffl, Chris VandeVelde, Carlo Colaiacovo, Luke Schenn

Flyers Projected Lineup

Line 1: Brayden Schenn-Claude Giroux-Jake Voracek
Line 2: Wayne Simmonds-Sean Couturier-Matt Read
Line 3: Vincent Lecavalier-Scott Laughton-R.J. Umberger
Line 4: Zac Rinaldo–Pierre-Edouard Bellemare-Jason Akeson

D-Pair 1: Nick Grossmann-Mark Streit
D-Pair 2: Braydon Coburn-Michael Del Zotto
D-Pair 3: Andrew MacDonald-Nick Schultz

Goalie: Steve Mason

Where to Watch
TV: TCN
Radio: 93.3 WMMR

Kevin Durso is the Managing Editor for Flyerdelphia. Follow him on twitter @KDursoPhilsNet.

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