Flyers’ Keys to Success for a Game 4 Win vs. Penguins

After Game 3, Penguins head coach Dan Muse was talking about keeping play between the whistles. However, it would not shock me if the Penguins took a page out of the Flyers’ book of agitation on Saturday.

Philly cannot bite and give them added power-play time. Keep the game where the Flyers have controlled the whole series – 5-on-5.

Flyers must continue to play strongly in front of Dan Vladar

The defensive play in front of Dan Vladar has been spectacular all series. It’s a big part of the reason why the series looks the way that it does. That cannot change now.

Vladar is making his 4th consecutive start. He’s only won 4 games in a row once this season, and there was a game in the middle of his two starts, so it was not even four-straight.

This season, you could see the 4-5 game mark is where the Flyers’ top netminder needed a reset. Mix that with the fact that, despite being good to go for the game, he’s probably dealing with little bumps and bruises from his late-third-period collision with Bryan Rust in Game 3.

The Flyers have done a terrific job at keeping play to the outside and taking the middle away from the Penguins’ offense for the most part. That will be crucial for a Saturday night win.

Read More: Good to Go: Vladar to Start for Flyers in Game 4

Don’t take the foot off the gas

The Flyers have had the pedal to the metal all series long. That can’t change now.

Tocchet’s sentiment in his earlier quote is that the Penguins will not just roll over and let the Flyers end it in four games. They will be desperate to avoid the sweep. That should lead to the expectation for an all-out Penguins effort.

If the Flyers keep their foot on the gas, it should not be a problem. However, if you let one game go by, all of a sudden, you’re back in Pittsburgh with a chance for the Penguins to get right back in the series. One win can turn into three real quick, and the Penguins have fallen victim to that.

Even with the commanding lead, the Flyers should not get comfortable. They must maintain the same intensity they’ve had in Games 1, 2, and 3. Keep getting bodies in front of the goalie, and keep playing pesky, without crossing the line.

As long as the Flyers don’t take their foot off the gas and try to coast their way to a win, they can be successful again on Saturday night.

Read More: Flyers-Penguins Playoff Series Game 4: Lines, Notes & How to Watch

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