Three Things the Flyers Can Do to Get Back to Winning Games, and Staying Consistent- By: Frankie James

Photo Cred- Frankie James, Olde City Sports Network

The Flyers have lost back to back to back games, and it's starting to grow more concern surrounding this team. Losing to Tampa Bay twice, once in a shootout and then a 4-0 shutout lost last night, then to the Bruins on Saturday. The games do not get much easier as they play the Florida Panthers, and then welcome the Carolina Hurricanes to town. This could be a detrimental week for the Flyers if they do not start to win games, but how do they do it? I explored three ways that could help this team get back on the winning track, and stay more consistent. Let's get into it.

Change the Powerplay

This has been an issue for some time now, and a key reason why the Flyers are not winning games. Their record would be much more proficient if they could get better with the man advantage. Per statmuse.com, in 17 games played, the Flyers have a power play percentage of 15.1 in the bottom 5 in the league. One way I believe that can help is equipping the right tools. Claude Giroux should continue to stay in the lower circle, where he can fire the puck or create a play. Have Ivan Provorov man the point, with Justin Braun, who has played tremendously. Throw in Joel Farabee, who is a known shooter, on the right side, and put JVR in front for a redirection.

I think this could really work, but what do I know?

Get Healthy, Build Chemistry Again

It's obvious. The Flyers have been decimated with key injuries to key players. They have proved they can still win games, even against tough opponents. Losing Kevin Hayes in the offseason first, then a strain of his abdomen putting him week to week as of now. He hasn't been able to show much or build any chemistry with his linemates on the ice. Also in the offseason, during a nonsense rookie game, Wade Allison goes down with an ankle injury and hasn't played at all. A player who I had hoped to really break out this season and start to come into his own, has been shelved. That being said, our very own Jesse Bell, host of “Flyers Alley” podcast on the Olde City Sports Network was able to speak with Wade about his injury, and it looks like he is starting to make his way back. Wade has begun to skate and has even made it to practice. This will be a huge addition for the team once he gets back and has a few games down with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. Newly acquired defenseman Ryan Ellis has been out of the lineup for some time as well with a reinjury. Not gaining the time with Ivan Provorov has been costly, but Justin Braun has really emerged into a solid defenseman being paired with Provorov. Fans can only hope Ellis comes back sooner than later, before it's too late.

Goalies Stay Hot

The bright side to all of this is that there isn't much change needed in this department. The duo of Martin Jones and Carter Hart have been pretty sensational. Per Quanthockey.com, Carter Hart has played in 11 games earning a 5-3-1 record with 1 shutout. Bringing in a 2.25 GAA and a 0.932 SV% in 667 minutes played. Martin Jones has a record of 3-2, with a 2.82 GAA and a 0.920 SV%. Combined this makes this duo one of the top in the league. All things said, they will need to continue to stay strong and play well for this team, especially at such a crucial time.

-Frankie James- Dusty Beauts/ Frank the Tank/ Olde City Sports Network