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Preview: Bruins look to keep momentum rolling against the Flyers

The Bruins will close out their first series with the Flyers tonight in Boston.

By Angelina.Berube
Philadelphia Flyers Vs Boston Bruins At TD Garden Photo by John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

Just the facts

When: Tonight, 7 PM

Where: TD Garden – Boston, MA

How to follow: NESN, NHLN, 98.5 The Sports Hub

Rival SBN site: Broad Street Hockey

Know your enemy

  • 3-1-1 for seven points, 1st in the East
  • Kevin Hayes: 5GP, 2G, 5A, 7PTS; Travis Konecny: 5GP, 4G, 2A, 6PTS; Jakub Voracek: 5GP, 1G, 5A, 6PTS; James van Riemsdyk: 5GP, 3G, 2A, 5PTS
  • Carter Hart: 2-1-1, 3.67 GAA, .902 save percentage

Game notes

  • In the teams’ last meeting on Thursday, a third-period surge led the Bruins to a 5-4 shootout win over the Philadelphia Flyers. Jack Studnicka provided the Bs with their first 5v5 goal of the season and his first NHL goal. Nick Ritchie picked up his second power-play goal of the year. It was all hands-on deck in the third period as ten different Bruins registered at least one point in the period and the win.
  • The Bruins have outshot their opponents in the first period in three out of the four games played this season. The Bruins greatly outshot the Flyers in the first frame last game, despite having nothing to show for it. The team needs to continue driving to the net and taking closer, quick shots and keeping bodies in front of the net.
  • Despite allowing two power-play goals last game, the Bruins’ penalty kill is 88.9%. It’s the second best PK in the East and tied for 7th in the league. On the other hand, the Flyers are 5/16 (29.4%) on the power play so far, ranking 1st in the East and 7th in the league.
  • Hayes, van Riemsdyk and Voracek did the most damage for Philly against the Bruins last game and will be ones to watch again tonight. They contributed two of four Flyers goals on Thursday. Van Riemsdyk’s power-play goal came at the right time to tie the game late in the third and help them earn a point out of the night. Hart also had a solid 40 minutes against the Bruins’ offense. The young Flyers goaltender stopped 39 shots and helped keep his team’s lead before the crazy third period. But he definitely has holes, as the last 20 minutes Thursday made clear and the Bruins just need to keep shooting at them.
  • All four games the Bruins have played were decided by one goal. With three games reaching overtime or a shootout, the Bruins have given away almost as many points as they have in the standings. Regulation wins will be the utmost importance in this shortened season against only the same seven teams. Heading to overtime is now more than ever about giving points away valuable points than gaining any.
  • Lastly, I know it’s only a handful of games into the season, but Nick Ritchie has surprised me and it’s nice to see him contributing out there positively.