Sports Talk Philly: Philadelphia Sports News and Rumors

Phillies pitchers struggle in loss to Tigers

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By: Rebecca Serad, Sports Talk Philly Staff 

Final: Detroit Tigers 11, Philadelphia Phillies 6  ❖  Attendance: 4,365

Clearwater, FLA — The Philadelphia Phillies (1-4) continued their rough start to Spring Training with a loss to the Detroit Tigers (4-1). Phillies pitchers had difficulty retiring the Tigers' hitters, with five of the eight pitchers allowing at least one run to score. Their efforts were not aided by the poor fielding. The Phillies made an inexcusable three errors in the game. Two of those errors led to unearned runs.

The offense had one good inning. The six-run fourth inning was highlighted by home-runs by Rhys Hoskins and Roman Quinn. Outside of that, however, the Phils' hitters struggled to string hits together and get timely hits. This has been a consistent issue over the last few seasons and needs to be fixed if the Phillies want to improve upon last season's record.

WP: Mike Fiers (1-0, 0.00 ERA)  ❖  LP: Jerad Eickhoff (0-1, 13.50 ERA)

Philadelphia Flyers: 2017 Year in Review

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By Matt Mastrogiovanni, Sports Talk Philly staff writer 

The Philadelphia Flyers are in the midst of another NHL season. Once again, they're battling day in and day out in order to make it to the postseason.

As 2018 begins and 2017 rides off into the sunset, it's time to take a look back at some of the highlights in the past year of Flyers hockey.

Despite Recent Skid, Too Early to Count Flyers Out

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By Matt Mastrogiovanni, Sports Talk Philly staff writer 

Saturday's shootout loss against the Flames saw the Flyers lose their fourth consecutive game. It was also the second game in a row in which Philadelphia blew a two-goal lead on their way to a loss.

Despite the team's struggles as of late, which has contributed to them moving into last place in the Metropolitan Division, it's still way too soon to count the Flyers out of contention for a playoff spot.

Wayne Simmonds Goal Drought Should Not Be Cause for Concern

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By Matt Mastrogiovanni, Sports Talk Philly staff writer 

It's been nine games since Flyers forward Wayne Simmonds last scored a goal. Last season's leading scorer for Philadelphia might have some worried about his performance as of late.

But a drought should not be cause to worry too much.

Flyers Facing Defensive Adversity with Injury Woes

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By Matt Mastrogiovanni, Sports Talk Philly staff writer 

Philadelphia's defense has long been a puzzle to solve for the coaching and management staff. Now, just 12 games into the new campaign, the same puzzle has come to light once again due to a series of injuries on the Flyers blue line.

As of Monday's game, the Flyers were without Andrew MacDonald long-term. They were without Shayne Gostisbehere after an injury suffered on Saturday. They called up Sam Morin from the Phantoms and were also without him due to a nagging injury that the team learned of Monday morning, forcing Mark Alt into action.

Jake Voracek Making Quiet Impact on Flyers Top Line

(Kate Frese/SB Nation)

By Matt Mastrogiovanni, Sports Talk Philly staff writer 

It's no question that the top trio of Flyers forwards have been lighting it up as of late. Claude Giroux is looking like a new man after last season's woes and Sean Couturier has silenced those questioning his top-line status.

But don't overlook the last piece of the puzzle: Jake Voracek.

With no goals so far on the season, one might assume that Voracek is off to a slow start. That couldn't be further from the truth.

Flyers 4th Line is Breath of Fresh Air

(Kate Frese/SB Nation)

By Matt Mastrogiovanni, Sports Talk Philly staff writer 

Every NHL team should able to constantly roll through four lines of forwards. Each line usually has their strong suits and gets put on the ice for certain situations.

The Flyers fourth line has really been the turning point for the Flyers in their early-season success.

The fourth line for the Flyers has been turning heads so far with their play. As compared to last season's mediocre fourth line, this year's trio is breath of fresh air. 

Early Road Success Can Prove Crucial for Flyers

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By Matt Mastrogiovanni, Sports Talk Philly staff writer 

The NHL's Western Conference has no shortage of talent. In the first three games of the season, the Flyers have learned that lesson once again.

However, with a 2-1-0 start on one of the toughest road trips of the year, the Flyers' success early on the road can actually be beneficial in the long run.

Reasons to Be Excited About a New Flyers Season

(Kate Frese/SB Nation)

By Matt Mastrogiovanni, Sports Talk Philly staff writer 

The time is almost upon us. Wednesday night in San Jose, the Flyers will open the 2017-18 season against the Sharks.

Philadelphia's 23-man roster was finalized on Monday and there are multiple reasons to be excited for the newest chapter of Flyers hockey.

Could Move to Wing Rekindle Giroux's Scoring Flame?

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By Matt Mastrogiovanni, Sports Talk Philly staff writer 

As the Flyers training camp and preseason progresses, a lot of storylines have played out. One of the most notable things to come out of the early stages of the new season is the decision to try captain Claude Giroux at the left wing position.

Initially, Giroux was drafted as a right winger. The captain spent much of his early career on the wing before transitioning to a center during the 2009-10 campaign.

The switch seemed to benefit Giroux early, but in recent seasons his stats have dropped off. Last season saw the captain score just 14 goals -- a career low.

Now, Philadelphia's coaching staff could be onto something with a new spot for Giroux.