Kyle’s Keys: Flyers vs Capitals

With Thursday’s game time finally set for 4pm, let’s take a look at Kyle’s Keys for Flyers vs Caps.

KEY 1: Top 2 lines production

It’s no secret that the top 2 lines didn’t win the game for the Flyers against the Bruins, that honor belonged to the 4th line and defense. While it’s extremely important to have your bottom six and defensemen contribute offensively in order to win games, the top two lines for the Flyers need to get it going.

If we’re to make a deep run in the playoffs, as many pundits are predicting, I want to see names like Giroux, Hayes, Konecny, Voracek, and Coots on the scoresheet Thursday night against Washington. In fact, I think it’s a must if we want to see the W and 2 more points in the chase for the 1st overall seed.

The Flyers went 3-0-1 against the Caps in the regular season this year as the aforementioned players combined for 20 points, 9 goals and 11 assists in 4 games. 

KEY 2: Controlling Washington’s speed through the neutral zone

The Washington Capitals play an extremely fast paced, north/south style of play, carrying speed through the neutral zone and over the blue line. The Flyers need to clog the neutral zone, not allowing the Capitals to gain any momentum on the rush forcing turnovers and limiting their ability to play their brand of hockey.

The Flyers have proven to be quite efficient doing this during the regular season and need to continue this game plan to find success in Thursday night’s contest.

KEY 3: Penalty Kill and overall discipline 

The Washington Capitals play a very hardnosed game with gritty players, often drawing opponents into scrums and taking emotional penalties. Couple that with their skill and speed and you may find yourself heading to the box from being out of position or a step behind.

The Flyers have found a ton of success killing penalties against the Capitals this season allowing only 1 goal on 17 power play chances. Washington had the 17^th best power play during the regular season which is a down year for them but it still should not be underestimated with players like Alexander Ovechkin who was 5^th in PP goals this year and John Carlson who was ranked 2^nd in overall PP points for defensemen.

Our HW 3 Stars for this game are…

1. Claude Giroux
2. Travis Konecny
3. Kevin Hayes

Follow Kyle Warner on Twitter @WarnerKyle29