Flyers Excited For “Unique” Opportunity, But Focused On Getting 2-Points
Over the past 12-days, the Philadelphia Flyers have faced their fair share of adversity. Something that may have been different if they did not play in the Lake Tahoe Outdoor Classic.
However, after a shutdown just 12-days before the game, the Flyers are now en route to play outdoors. Something that the Flyers are excited for. But, they understand this is about getting 2-points.
“It’s going to be something special for sure, very unique site,” Flyers forward Michael Raffl said. “Think everybody is excited to go there, spend the day there, have a practice and then play the Boston Bruins.”
Raffl added “as far as the game, we have to go in with the same mindset and try to get 2 points.”
Getting 2-points won’t be easy for the Flyers. Philly will be shorthanded again & feature the same lineup as last night’s 3-2 SOL to the Rangers.
Due to covid, the Flyers will be without Claude Giroux, Jake Voracek, Travis Konecny, Oskar Lindblom, Scott Laughton, & Justin Braun. This will lead to the Flyers having to lean on what has gotten them to their 8-3-3 record to start the season. Their goal-tending.
Carter Hart will get the start for the Flyers. It will be Hart’s first outdoor game in the NHL. Hart was slated to start in the Stadium Series vs the Penguins in 2019. But, missed the game due to an injury diagnosed just two-days prior to the game.
“It’ll be my first outdoor game in the NHL. But, got a little bit of experience with outdoor games,” Flyers goalie Carter Hart said. “We’re all looking forward to it. It’ll be a fun experience for all of us.”
Hart continued “definitely will be different, but really exciting. Gonna to be very scenic for fans watching on TV & for us to play at.”
Besides Carter Hart in net, the Flyers will rely heavily on their top two centers, Sean Couturier & Kevin Hayes.
Last night against the New York Rangers, the Flyers first game back from covid break, Couturier & Hayes both carried the load upfront. Both eclipsing the 22-minute mark.
Couturier & Hayes leadership will be key on Sunday. Especially with both not being strangers to the outdoor game.
“I’ve played at Fenway and I’ve played at Citi Field. Both were a lot of fun. Every time you get to play outdoors it’s a memorable experience,” Flyers forward Kevin Hayes said. “Haven’t played on a golf course, I’ve never been to Lake Tahoe. I’ve seen pictures. It looks amazing.”
Hayes added “we got to get ready for the game. We are playing a team that is very hot right now and they’re going to come out hard and we have to regroup and get ready for Sunday.”
“Saw the layout and the commercials on the TV. I’ve never been there. It seems to be a beautiful place,” Flyers forward Sean Couturier said. “Exciting going there. Hopefully we can go there and get two points.”
Sunday’s game at Lake Tahoe is for the fans. But, for the players, it’s about getting back to their roots. Something that they don’t get to do often.
However, even with the unique situation, the Flyers know this is just another game & 2-points are on the line. Something that seems to be at the forefront for the Flyers as they travel to Lake Tahoe to play the Boston Bruins outdoors.
Photo Credit : Nick Cotsonika