Deadspin: Flyers Improving Power Play Entering Clash With Blue Jackets
Philadelphia’s Special Teams Improve
The Flyers opened the season with power-play struggles, continuing a pattern in which they had the NHL’s lowest percentage in four of the previous five seasons. They have now scored with the extra skater in four straight games, including twice in Saturday’s 5-4 defeat to Anaheim.
Porter Martone and Matvei Michkov scored those power-play goals against the Ducks. Michkov also added another goal, giving him a team-leading eight for the season. Philadelphia had won three games in a row before the loss.
Michkov Adds Recent Production
Michkov has scored six times over his last five games and received more ice time in the past two contests. Before that, he had played fewer than 15 minutes in each of five straight games.
His recent contributions have coincided with the Flyers’ 3-1-0 run across their last four games, following an 0-6-3 opening stretch. Forward Noah Cates said Michkov had helped the team through its difficult start and urged him to continue.
Columbus Finds Overtime Goal
The Blue Jackets ended a run of 22 unsuccessful power-play attempts when Adam Fantilli scored during a 4-on-3 overtime in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Vegas. Fantilli said the team would review its earlier chances and work on improving.
Denton Mateychuk scored Columbus’ other goal, Kent Johnson had two assists, and Cam Talbot stopped 26 shots. Coach Rick Bowness praised the team’s effort after it had lost four of its previous five games.
Teams Meet After Last Season
Columbus won all three matchups against Philadelphia last season. Dan Vladar took the loss in each meeting and is likely to start in goal Tuesday, as the Blue Jackets have generally rotated their goaltenders this season.
Philadelphia coach Rick Tocchet said the Anaheim loss stung because he believed his team should have won. The Flyers will host Columbus as both clubs look to carry their recent power-play progress into the game.
Key points
- Philadelphia has scored power-play goals in four consecutive games.
- Matvei Michkov leads the Flyers with eight goals this season.
- Columbus ended a 22-attempt power-play drought with an overtime goal Saturday.
- The Blue Jackets won all three meetings with Philadelphia last season.