Hurricanes VS Flyers Preview

The Flyers will face off with the defending Stanley Cup Champion Carolina Hurricanes as they look to pick up their first win of the season. Philadelphia couldn't get Carolina at a better time, with the Canes getting beaten convincingly 5-2 by the Washington Capitals. Here’s what the Flyers need to do tonight to beat the Cup champs.

Get Pucks to the Net

Brandon Bussi has faced 47 shots over his first two games, and both have been losses. It is no secret that Bussi is very skilled at his position, but the Canes defense has looked more vulnerable in comparison to the shutdown team they were last year. Every Carolina defenseman had a giveaway in last night's game except for former Flyer Shayne Gostisbehere. If the Flyers can create turnovers and increase time of possession, they will have more high-volume shot opportunities to tire out Bussi. 

Porter Martone needs to be on the ice.

Coach Rick Tocchet has benched the rookie phenom in each of the first two games. The reasoning for the benching has not been revealed by Tocchet, but what we do know is that Rick prides himself on making sure his team plays disciplined. In the 7-0 loss against Pittsburgh, Martone was pulled after a breakdown during a line change. Matvei Michcov replaced him. Even if Tocchet wants to keep his guys disciplined, you can't bench one of your top scorers in back-to-back games, especially after the 3-2 overtime loss to New Jersey. Assuming Martone is in the lineup tonight, the game plan needs to be that he gets a lot of time on ice and scoring chances.

Joseph Woll should start in goal.

Woll made 41 saves in his Flyers debut against New Jersey on Thursday, and earned third star honors despite the overtime loss. While Dan Vladar had a terrific season last year, he surrendered 7 goals against their rivals, the Pittsburgh Penguins. Woll brings size, athleticism, and an intriguing amount of upside, and comparing the two through the first two games, it feels like a no-brainer that it should be Woll tonight even if he is considered the backup.

Can they get going on the power play?

Everyone knows that the Flyers' power play has been one of the worst in the league for many seasons now, and to score a goal tonight on the power play against a Carolina team that is historically one of the best teams on the penalty kill could change the tide for the power play this year.

Out-Physical Carolina

Both Washington and Florida played tough, got into scraps, and won battles on the boards. Florida played a defensive, choppy game with lots of physicality, and that has proven to be the key to beating the Canes in the past, even before they won the Cup last season. Philly has not looked nearly as physical to start the year as they did down the stretch of last season, so they need the likes of Travis Sanheim and new flyer Simon Beniot in order to wear down the Canes.

Bottom line, the Flyers need to be better. If you put pucks to the net, chances are some of them will go in. That is something that Touchett can take from Carolina’s book. In previous years, Carolina has been high on the list in terms of shot attempts per game. The Flyers will look to out-skill the Canes and pick up their first win of the year. 

Photo Credits: Getty Images