Flying Forward: Weekly Preview 11/5/17-11/11/17

The Philadelphia Flyers haven't been very good in their last 10 games played having a record of 4-4-2 in those games.

Philadelphia will be coming off of a much needed four day break in game action. The Flyers have dealt with some injuries all season, but recently to the defense corps and the time off could possibly mean the return of Radio Gudas, who has been out since last Wednesday after suffering an upper body injury. There are other players like Wayne Simmonds who are battling through injuries so the time off couldn't have come at a better time.

The Flyers will look to hand the Blackhawks a loss after being shutout by Corey Crawford last Wednesday. On Saturday, Philadelphia will take on the Minnesota Wild, who have had their own struggles to start the season. The Wild are without Zach Praise in their lineup.

The Flyers need to avoid a slow start especially after having the last four days off from game action. Yes, they have been practicing, but that isn't the same as playing in a game. The Flyers need to have their skating legs early in this one and establish a tone to the game, which could be a physical one or a hardworking one. The Orange and Black need to be sure to get plenty of traffic in front of the opposition net especially if Crawford is the starter. The more traffic, the better chance for a second chance goal from a deflection or rebound. The Flyers need to find a way to keep Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews off the board since they may be on the same line. The Flyers need to avoid the turnovers and get in on the forecheck to spend some time in the offensive zone.

The Blackhawks need to make sure that they get off to a fast start since they are outscoring opponents 15-9 this season in the opening period of games. They need to take advantage of the fact that the Flyers have been off for four days, and establish some attack time in the offensive zone early in the game. It should be interesting to see how the new look lines of Chicago manage with chemistry, is it instant or will it take a period  or to two to start clicking? The Blackhawks need to play a full, 60 minute game and not just decide to take the middle period off because that has been part of the problem so far this year. Chicago may want to stay out of the penalty box since the Flyers have a good power play, and Shayne Gostisbehere will be back in the lineup for Philadelphia. He missed the game last week due to injury. If there is a chance to shoot the puck then Chicago needs to get the shot off since goalies for the Orange and Black haven't been good this year.

On Saturday night, the Flyers will face the Wild at the Wells Fargo Center. Philadelphia will need to take advantage when they are on the power play since the Wild are only killing penalties at a 75% rate on the road. The Orange and Black need to keep an eye on defenseman Jared Spurgeon since he will contribute on the offensive side of the puck, and already has 10 points on the year. The Flyers will need to play a solid defensive game and limit the chances of the Wild. Philly needs to get off to a better start in this one since they have been outscored 13-9 in the first period of games.

The Wild are going to need to find a way to contain the Flyers top line of Claude Giroux, Sean Couturier and Jakub Voracek since they have a combined 53 points through the first 15 games of the season. Minnesota will also need to be aware of when Shayne Gostisbehere has the puck because he will try for the stretch pass out of the zone or even skate the puck out of the defensive zone. The Wild are going to need to play a disciplined game since the road penalty kill hasn't exactly been stellar this season, while the Flyers power play can put the puck in the net. Minnesota will need to have quick puck movement to get the puck through to the goalie since the Flyers like to block shots (237). The Wild need to be prepared for a physical game at times since Philadelphia doesn't shy away from throwing hits.