Preview: Bruins host Flyers for final meeting this season

Just the Facts

Who: Philadelphia Flyers (21-23-6, 48 Pts.) vs. Boston Bruins (27-17-6, 60 Pts.)

Where: TD Garden

When: 7 PM est

How to Follow: NESN, 98.5 The Sports Hub

Rival Site: Broad Street Hockey

Know Your Enemy

The Bruins recently visited the Flyers on January 16th. The message at that point was, “The Bruins need a strong three games before the break against weak opponents (Flyers, Blues, and Rangers).” Ultimately, the Bruins lost.

Now that we are on the third meeting, and with the Flyers being in the news a lot, you probably know that it hasn’t been a great year in Philadelphia. Well set that thought aside for a second because the Flyers are winning. After beating the Rangers Tuesday night, the Flyers have extended their winning streak to five games. As he showed in the Bruins’ last meeting with the Flyers, Carter Hart is adding hope to the organization. He robbed the Bruins last time and will look to do it again tonight.

Game Notes

• Let’s have a talk - The Bruins started off the new year with four straight wins. After they dropped a game against Washington, they got a big win against the Maple Leafs on the road. Since then, the Bruins have dropped four of five. While that’s disappointing, the Bruins have run into hot goaltending. Carey Price, Carter Hart, Henrik Lundqvist, and Connor Hellebuyck all had phenomenal performances against the Bruins. The Bruins are creating more chances than their opponents and are controlling play. Whether it happens tonight, or in February, the Bruins will get more luck. Stay positive!
• Trent Frederic - All eyes will be on the youngster once again tonight. He only played 8:28 on Tuesday night. Will he earn more ice time?
• Tuukka Rask - It looks like Rask will start tonight. He left the game against the Rangers on the 19th after taking a hit to the head. The Bruins will confirm the starter later today.
• Controlling the pace of play - The Bruins hopped out to an early lead in the last game between these two teams. While the Bruins wanted to play a slower, duller game up 2-0, the two teams began trading chances, leading to Flyers goals in a 4-3 loss for the Bruins. Slowing the game down will give the Flyers less chances to score fluke goals.
• Will we see the 1-3-1 neutral zone forecheck? - My friend Charlie O’Connor who writes for The Athletic tells me that the Flyers are running the 1-3-1 a lot now. Guy Boucher made this popular in Tampa. Below is an explanation of how it works.