4 Keys to Flyers’ Success in 2nd-Round Series vs. Hurricanes – The Hockey Writers – Philadelphia Flyers

The Philadelphia Flyers closed out their first round series against the Pittsburgh Penguins with a thrilling overtime win on home ice. In the second round, they entered as huge underdogs against the Eastern Conference’s No. 1 seed. 1, the Carolina Hurricanes.

The Hockey Stats model has the Flyers’ odds of winning the series at 34%, and that’s assuming Hurricanes forward Nikolaj Ehlers remains sidelined with a lower-body injury—from which he’s expected to return soon.

So, the Flyers found themselves in doubt all over the world. Here are four keys to overcoming the odds and advancing to the Eastern Conference Final.

Flyers Key to Success 1: Limit the Cycle

In Round 1, the Flyers made it their mission to limit quick chances, instead allowing the Penguins to win them out of the cycle. Despite having a long streak without the puck and seeming frustrated at times, this approach worked. Pittsburgh doesn’t have the execution or talent to win a series that way.

Storms are a different story. They have one of the best rotations in the NHL, which is part of their game already More which are deadly this season. If you allow Carolina to stretch the offensive zone, the volume of shots they throw on net will eventually be too much to handle.

This is not a series where you can rely on a one-goal lead. Hurricanes are good killers and have a lot of play and shooting skills. Preach clean exits, and don’t play for dear life.

Flyers Key to Success 2: Take More Risks

The Flyers shouldn’t abandon their defensive-first style until it proves ineffective, but they will have to take some risks in this series. You probably can’t get away with letting the Hurricanes have the puck like the Penguins did—there has to be a rebound.

Now, at their own risk, it opens up Carolina’s rushing game. This will greatly hurt the Flyers 5-on-5 defense. But sitting back in a defensive position is asking for trouble. Ideally, Orange and Black come out swinging.

If necessary, the Flyers have proven they can thrive in a back-and-forth environment. In fact, this proved to be their 3-2 final victory over the Hurricanes at the end of the regular season. Carolina was resting its key players, sure, but Philadelphia faced a 2-0 deficit, forcing a change in style of play. Apparently, it worked.

The Flyers have many factors that create a rush in their team. The vision of Porter Martone and Matvei Michkov, the speed of Owen Tippett, the puck-carrying and skill of Trevor Zegras, the ability to defend the puck-moving, and more can thrive in a series that faces risk.

Flyers Key to Success 3: Embrace Chaos

One way to throw the Hurricanes off their game is to accept a Game 3-like upset against the Penguins. Resist as much as possible, and it might work for you.

At the end of the day, the Flyers are down for a reason. Therefore, random presentation is probably beneficial for them. The game shouldn’t stop after the whistle—the goal is to draw penalties, or at the very least, upset Carolina.

It is important to note that certain governing bodies like to control and may call a tight game. Philadelphia will have to avoid crossing the line.

Flyers Key to Success 4: Trust Dan Vladař

If the Flyers are going to pull this off, goaltender Dan Vladař will be a big reason why. He posted one of the best 5-on-5 save percentages in the regular season, however his playoff performance blew that out of the water. He gave up just five goals in five-a-side hockey in the Penguins series—less than one per game.

The Flyers can’t leave him on an island, but he’s good enough to rely on to hold down the fort if you’re trying to run the offense.

Vladař put up his numbers a little bit because of the Flyers’ defensive play. But he has also shown that he can survive when offense is a priority. Have faith in the guy who got you here.

Since the Hurricanes swept the Ottawa Senators in Round 1, many hockey fans are expecting the same fate from the Flyers in Round 2. But if they attack it well, things could turn orange. Action begins Saturday at 8 pm EDT.