Five Flyers Observations : Revamped Depth Was On Display

Well, who saw this coming? Anybody? After being outplayed for the first 10 minutes, down 1-0, the Flyers battled back for a 5-2 victory against the Vegas Golden Knights.




After giving up the game’s first goal, the Flyers would go on to score 5 unanswered goals. The Flyers would get on the board first off the stick of Oskar Lindblom. Then, Wayne Simmonds scored twice. Robert Hagg would add the next. And, to top it off, Scott Laughton would redirect home one. 11 of the 18 Flyers players dressed would record a point. Led by Jake Voracek adding 2 assists.

Brian Elliott was the winning goalie. Elliott stopped 23 of the 25 shots he faced. Including a stretch of 13 for 13.

Here are four more observations from the Flyers 5-2 victory over the Golden Knights…




Depth Scoring

One thing the Flyers struggled with last season was depth scoring. When the 1st line didn’t contribute, goals were hard to come by for the Flyers.

However, this year, that does not seem to be a problem. 11 of the 18 Flyers players tonight had a point in the 5-1 slaughter of the Western Conference Champions, Vegas Golden Knights.

Tonight, the 1st line didn’t contribute during 5v5 play. But, unlike last season, the Flyers secondary lines contributed in a big way. Line balance and a great top 9 is something the Flyers have been working to solve since GM Ron Hextall took power in 2013.

It is only game 1, but a lot was shown tonight which could lead to a big season for the Flyers.




The Old Work-Horse Is Back

With having two core surgeries in the past 6 months, you would think Flyers goalie, Brian Elliott, would look slow and rusty. Well, that was not the case. Elliott showed no lag or strain tonight.

After giving up the games first goal, Elliott made timely save after timely save for the Flyers. Some bigger than others, Elliott showed tonight the Flyers old work-horse is ready to go.

Coming into the game, the Flyers goal-tending position was still up in the air. Many believed Elliott wouldn’t come back the same from the surgeries. However, Elliott proved tonight he is back and ready to help the Flyers make the next jump this season.




Is The Penalty Kill Fixed?

The biggest issue from last years Flyers team was their penalty kill. Ranked 2nd to last in the league, the Flyers penalty kill operated below 70% for the season.

A number so rare, it was the first time in over 30 years, two teams operated below 70% on the season. But, it wasn’t necessarily what you think. When you think of bad, you think penalized the most and most goals given up.

Well, half that statement is right. The Flyers were at the top of the list for most power-play goals given up. But, they were one of the least penalized teams. The reason for the horrible stat.

However, something they have worked on all training camp is the penalty kill. Tonight, the revamped penalty kill showed some hope. The Flyers penalty kill was a perfect 3 for 3 and even killed off a 1:19 worth of 5v3. A great start to the Flyers worst unit from last season.




Travis Sanheim

One Flyer who is ready to break-out is Travis Sanheim. From his showing tonight, I think he is ready to make an impact now. After battling through adversity last season, Sanheim had most of his training camp cut short do to injury. Another bump Sanheim had to deal with.

However, like last season, that did not stop Sanheim. Sanheim was the true star of the night for the Flyers. Whenever Sanheim was on the ice, he was noticeable. Whenever he had the puck, you knew he did.

Sanheim did all the little things, that got him in trouble last year, right tonight. If Sanheim can become a top 4 mainstay, the Flyers could be 1 defenseman away from becoming a real threat in the Eastern Conference.




Result : Flyers 5 – Vegas 2, WIN

Record : 1 – 0 – 0

Next Game : 10 / 6 Colorado Avalanche , Denver CO 9:00PM , NBCSports Philadelphia