Stanley Cup Playoffs 2016: Flyers Keys to Success
It is finally safe to say the Flyers have earned themselves a berth in the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Flyers have come a long way this season as they have surprised many, including themselves. From a new coach, to new players. The Flyers have faced adversity time and time again. Through hard work and dedication, they continued to show perseverance and exceed expectations.
Early yesterday morning, the Flyers nation lost a beloved member of the community. Flyers chairman and community advocate Ed Snider passed away after a long battle with bladder cancer. Mr. Snider fought hard, which is what his Flyers were, are, and always will be all about. He has been battling cancer all season long, and the Flyers have dedicated this season to him.
“Obviously we were thinking about Mr. Snider all season long.” Said Jakub Voracek. Captain Claude Giroux also stated that he was “pretty glad we were able to make the playoffs for him.”
Before the final home game began, anthem singer Lauren Hart Facetimed Mr. Snider so she could bring the stadium to him.
The Flyers will be wearing a patch during the playoffs in dedication to Ed Snider, and they will use this unfortunate occurrence as an emotional drive to help them win.
Philadelphia opens up their series against the Washington Capitals Thursday at 7pm.
So what do the Flyers need to do to win this series against Washington? Here are some keys to victory:
1. Shut down Ovechkin
We all know Alexander Ovechkin, and we know his style of play. The Washington captain is coming off yet another 50 goal season, and has not had an assist in almost a month. The best plan for this series is to place our best shutdown forward, Sean Couturier, on him and try to keep him off the score sheet.
2. Secondary scoring
The Flyers not only need to see production from their top line, but they also need some assistance from the bottom lines as well to gain success in this series. Towards the end of the season, we started seeing the second power play unit score some quality goals with Ryan White screening the opposing goaltender. If they can keep that success going, the Flyers will be an overwhelming force for Vezina candidate Braden Holtby.
3. Emotional Drive
With the passing of Mr. Snider, whom the Flyers all have a heavy heart for, it is a major key for them to use this tragedy as an emotional drive to win this series. They must want it more, as they are the clear cut underdog in this matchup.
4. Goaltending, Goaltending, Goaltending
With the return of Michael Neuvirth and the current hot streak of starter Steve Mason, the Flyers seem to have a pretty solid goaltending tandem to begin the playoffs. In every series, goaltending is arguably the most important part to a team. If the Flyers goaltender(s) can perform like they have this season, they should be in pretty good shape. The even better news: there are no shootouts in the playoffs (Hallelujah!).
Fasten your seatbelts, folks. The 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs are right around the corner, and it is going to be a wild ride.
Photo: Flickr
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Categorized:Flyers