Writer: Rob Riches

Game 81 Preview: Flyers look to end skid against Pittsburgh Penguins

Rob Riches Sports Editor

Published09 Apr 2016

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It's hard to believe how big of a difference a week can make in today's NHL.

This time last week, it appeared as though a playoff spot was inevitable, and the Flyers' last weekend of the regular season would be a mere formality. A trip to Pittsburgh last Sunday, however, kicked off a three-game losing streak that leaves the Flyers in a precarious tie with Detroit and Boston, with the Eastern Conference's final playoff spot on the line.

Sunday's 6-2 loss to the Penguins was the latest drubbing that the Flyers have experienced against the Penguins this season, as they've gone winless in three meetings so far. Getting back on track against the Pens is far from an easy task, especially taking into consideration that they've outscored the Flyers by a substantial 14-6 margin.

A win today would certainly make gaining a playoff spot easier, as the Red Wings and Bruins will be playing their final games of the season before the Flyers take the ice. The Orange and Black can still control their own destiny, and getting back on track against the Penguins is the best way to do so.

The Flyers and Penguins face off at 3 p.m.

Flyers Leaders	GP	G	A	P	Penguins Leaders	GP	G	A	P
Claude Giroux	77	22	44	66	Sidney Crosby	80	36	49	85
Wayne Simmonds	80	30	28	58	Kris Letang	71	16	51	67
Brayden Schenn	78	26	31	57	Evgeni Malkin	57	27	31	58
Jakub Voracek	71	11	42	53	Phil Kessel	81	26	32	58
Shayne Gostisbehere	62	16	28	44	Patric Hornqvist	81	22	29	51

Player to Watch
17 Wayne Simmonds	58 Kris Letang
Last 5 Games: 4 G, 2 A, 6 P, -6	Last 5 Games: 1 G, 7 A, 8 P, +8

Wayne Simmonds' heroics with 57.4 seconds on the clock helped send the Flyers to overtime on Thursday, but it would not be enough, as they still fell in the 3-on-3 period. The goal was his 30th of the season — giving him a 30-goal campaign for the first time in his career — and with 58 points, he could very well set a new career-high.

With goals and 28 points in 38 career games against the Flyers, Kris Letang is always a threat to keep an eye on. The 28-year-old blueliner is carrying an eight-game points streak into days game — a streak that featured two assists in Sunday's 6-2 win. His 67 points are third amongst defenders (behind Erik Karlsson and Brent Burns), and he will certainly be in consideration for the Norris Trophy at season's end.

Goalie Matchup
35 Steve Mason	30 Matt Murray
22-19-10, 2.54 GAA, .917 SP	9-2-1, 2.05 GAA, .927 SP

Expect Steve Mason back in goal, for his 12th-consecutive start. While Michal Neuvirth is primed to suit back up, Mason is still the likely bet for the Flyers. He's been among the steadiest Flyers to take the ice — as usual — during their stretch run.

Matt Murray is primed to return in the cage for the Penguins. The prolific rookie stopped 28 of 30 shots in last Sunday's meeting.

Flyers Projected Lineup

Scratches: Nick Cousins, Evgeny Medvedev, R.J. Umberger, Jordan Weal, Michael Del Zotto

Left Wing	Center	Right Wing
93 Jake Voracek	28 Claude Giroux	17 Wayne Simmonds
10 Brayden Schenn	14 Sean Couturier	89 Sam Gagner
12 Michael Raffl	21 Scott Laughton	24 Matt Read
76 Chris VandeVelde	78 Pierre-Edouard Bellemare	25 Ryan White
Defense
47 Andrew MacDonald	53 Shayne Gostisbehere
55 Nick Schultz	32 Mark Streit
23 Brandon Manning	3 Radko Gudas
Goalie
35 Steve Mason

The Flyers will utilize the same personnel that they used in Thursday's loss to the Maple Leafs, but with a subtle twist. Scott Laughton, who previously made his first start after seven-consecutive scratches — will play left wing on the third line, switching places with Michael Raffl.

Game Notes

Power Play: Flyers (17th, T-23rd at home), Penguins (16th, 20th on road)
Penalty Kill: Flyers (23rd, 23rd at home), Penguins (5th, 1st on road)
Recent History vs. Penguins:
- April 3, 2016 — Courtesy of Sidney Crosby, Beau Bennett and Patric Hornqvist, the Penguins were able to lead 3-0 by the game's halfway point. Carl Hagelin scored as well, while Eric Fehr added two markers. Wayne Simmonds and Jakub Voracek recorded the lone Flyers tallies.
- March 19, 2016 — Radko Gudas scored an early goal for the Flyers, but it would prove to be the most offense they could generate in a 4-1 loss. Trevor Daley, Carl Hagelin, Chris Kunitz and Kris Letang all scored for the Penguins, while Marc-Andre Fleury made 16 saves on just 17 shots.
- Jan. 21, 2016 — Brayden Schenn and Jakub Voracek each scored to give the Orange and Black a 2-0 lead going into the first period, but the Penguins countered with four unanswered goals from Daley, Crosby and two from Phil Kessel. Claude Giroux scored with 3:25 in the game to cut the deficit to one goal, but it would be all the Flyers could muster, and the Pens held on for the 4-3 win.
Flyers leaders vs. Penguins: