The 2015-16 season got off to a roaring start on Saturday night, as the Panthers trounced the Flyers 7-1. However, there is no time to stand on ceremony. The Panthers will once again take on the Flyers, but this time it’s in their house. You can bet the Flyers will meet puck drop in ill humor.
The Numbers
[table id=TS02G02 /] [table id=IS02G02 /] [table id=GM02G02 /]* – Stats are courtesy of War-on-Ice.com and Hockey-Reference.com
Projected Lineups
[table id=PRPF02G01 /] [table id=PRPD02G01 /] [table id=PRPG02G01 /] [table id=PROF02G01 /] [table id=PROD02G01 /] [table id=PROG02G02 /]The Rundown
To move on quickly from last game is in the best interest of both teams. For the Flyers, it’s forgetting an embarrassment. For the Panthers, it’s not getting too high on the success of one game. Getting together again so quickly will help to both ends.
The beating on Saturday night was so bad that the Flyers held a players-only meeting post-game. New head coach Dave Hakstol is undeterred though. In fact, he’s drawing on his experience last year with his University of North Dakota team, which fell 5-1 on opening night last year, with 4 quick goals in 8:41. His team bounced back in their next game to win 2-1.
“It’s a quick turnaround. We definitely have to put this one behind us and learn from our mistakes,” said Flyers defenseman Luke Schenn on bouncing back, “We definitely have to come out a lot harder, compete a lot harder. We can’t come out like that, especially in our own building.”
Changes are already abound ahead of tonight’s game. The most notable change will be the absence of Steve Mason:
“Flyers goaltender Steve Mason is out of tonight’s line-up due to a personal family matter. No other details are available.”
-Ron Hextall— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) October 12, 2015
Hopefully Mason’s family matter isn’t too serious. In his stead though will be Michal Neuvirth, backed up by veteran journeyman Jason Labarbera.
Also, R.J. Umberger was taking a maintenance day at practice on Sunday, and Sam Gagner took his roster spot in practice. If Gagner draws into the lineup, expect him to be on the second line with Brayden Schenn and Sean Couturier, with Wayne Simmonds sliding down to Umberger’s role on the 3rd line.
For the Panthers, there’s not much in the way of change in store. The only info of note is the goalie situation:
Not surprisingly Roberto Luongo back in net for #FlaPanthers at #Flyers … Al Montoya likely tomorrow v #nhlCanes
— George Richards (@GeorgeRichards) October 12, 2015
Closing Thoughts
We wish the Panthers safe passage in Philadelphia and that they make their way out better than Santa Claus did.
AJ can be reached for contact on Twitter.
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