Flyers Keys to Success For a Game 3 Win

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Here we are again, talking about what the Philadelphia Flyers can do better following a dominating Game 2.

As Yogi Berra once said, it’s deja vu all over again. The Flyers dominated the Pittsburgh Penguins in Game 2 of the series and came away with the 3-0 win. It’s really hard to nitpick and find areas where Philadelphia can make improvements before Game 3.

After Game 1, faceoffs, power play, and missed opportunities needed to be cleaned up before Game 2. They were clear points of emphasis. So, the Flyers came out and played a much cleaner Game 2. Still, there is plenty of room for improvement.

“I didn’t think we had our game [on Monday],” said head coach Rick Tocchet, talking about the Flyers’ night against the Penguins. Even after the 3-0 shutout win, there is still room for improvement.

So, what are those areas?

There are a few, but if the Flyers clean them up for Game 3, they could even further extend their series lead. Let’s get into them.

Read More: Flyers-Penguins Playoff Series Game 3: Lines, Notes & How to Watch

Where the Flyers can improve for Game 3

Limit time in the Penguins’ offensive zone

The Penguins were dominating puck possession, especially in the second and third periods of Monday’s game. Now, the Flyers held to their structure, keeping things to the outside and keeping the Penguins out of the areas where they have thrived all season.

Philly escaped Game 2 without allowing a goal, and Dan Vladar deserves all the thanks for that. Pittsburgh had plenty of zone time and was able to get some shots off. The Flyers’ defense never broke, which played a big role in the final score.

However, after 2 games, the Penguins are sure to make adjustments. The Flyers have neutralized their attack all series. Pittsburgh knows what they have to do differently. Now, it’s up to who can make the bigger adjustments.

The best way for the Flyers to neutralize this is to change nothing and keep play out of the defensive zone as much as possible.

Balanced scoring

With the exception of Owen Tippett and maybe Noah Cates, the Flyers’ middle six has been pretty invisible. Even some of the top guys aren’t popping up on the scoresheet.

The Flyers have relied heavily on the Dvorak and Couturier lines. In fact, all 4 of their goals scored by forwards have come from Martone or the 4th line.

Now, I have seen some pretty stupid takes on the internet lately, like scratching Matvei Michkov or Travis Konecny. That will not, nor should it ever happen in the playoffs. Especially when neither player has been a liability to the team.

Still, the “takes” have stemmed from a lack of offense. That does need to improve. There is still plenty of work to be done to put the Penguins away. To do so, they’ll need to find balanced scoring in their lineup.

Especially in the middle-six, guys like Michkov, Tyson Foerster, and Trevor Zegras need to shine in the big moment. The Flyers need balanced scoring, and those are the guys who I like to do so.

The Flyers power play

The Flyers’ power play is still struggling. It’s not even at a point where it looks good; they’re just not scoring. We have now seen more time chasing the puck on the power play than in possession. The Flyers’ penalty kill has been more productive than their power play.

No matter how long this playoff run is, whether it’s another week or another month, the power play will be on the list of things that need improvement until it’s not.

The power play will remain a key to success for both teams, really. Even with the Hall of Fame talent, the Penguins have not been any better on the man-advantage.

In both games, the Flyers won with three goals. That’s not always going to get the job done. They need to find a way to score more, and the power play is the best spot to do so.

Read More: Where the Flyers Need to Improve Before Game 2

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