Flyers’ Playoff Hopes Stay Alive After Defeating Rangers 4-1 | 4/11/2024

Getty Images

If you were looking for the Flyers to show a pulse, you got that tonight. Less than five minutes in, Cam York scored on the counter rush. Flyers fans could finally breathe a sigh of relief. It was clear immediately: they brought their A-game. Two things stuck out to me as I watched the game unfold.

They Forced the Rangers to Play Shorthanded

The Flyers generated four power-play chances because they were crashing the net, generated solid puck movement, and kept the Rangers on their toes. Twenty seconds after Scott Laughton went to the box for holding the stick against Will Cuylle, Artemi Panarin was called for interference against Cam York. The Flyers generated solid momentum on the 4-on-4, and that resulted in multiple shots on goal in a span of about a minute. About five minutes later, Jacob Trouba went to the box for tripping Tyson Foerster. This was a significant penalty, as it demonstrated the Flyers had the Rangers scrambling.

Goodrow and Trouba lead the Rangers in penalty minutes this season, therefore it was a positive sign the Flyers were able to bait them into sitting in the box.

The only aspect missing in this game for the Flyers was the power play, which went 0-4. However, that wasn’t a surprise, and the Flyers were able to kill 3 out of 4 of the Rangers’ power plays and put four goals on the board in the end.

Sam Ersson was a valuable and crucial part of the penalty kill. Joel Farabee went to the box for too many men. Mika Zibanejad had a golden opportunity, and Ersson made the stop.

The only blunder was when Erik Johnson was sent to the box for charging. You can’t let the Rangers’ power play go to work on a two-man advantage and expect them not to score. Panarin scored his 47th of the season. They did kill off the subsequent penalty, though, which was positive momentum for sure.

They Didn’t Back Down From Physicality

Similar to the penalty minutes sentiment, the Flyers did not back down from engaging in post-whistle scrums with the Rangers. Garnet Hathaway even went at it with Jonathan Quick. This is a crucial piece in the Flyers’ game, and it was refreshing to see their spunky mojo back.

They also registered 17 hits and blocked 19 shots. Hathaway registered five blocked shots, two of which happened in a span of 10 seconds on both Panarin and Ryan Lindgren. He also laid a hit on Adam Fox right before that sequence. Hathaway was just one of the many Flyers that put their bodies on the line to prove that they still believe in themselves and the season.

All in all, this game proved that this team has not given up on the season. They continue to embrace the adversity that is thrown at them, including the narrative that the locker room gave up on Head Coach John Tortorella. The question that rings in everyone’s head now: is it too late?

The Flyers have a date with the Devils on Saturday at 5 p.m. at the Wells Fargo Center. They must win to keep their playoff hopes alive.

ITR 45: Everything Is Happening Inside The Rink

Join Chris and Conrad as they get you up-to-date on all the latest signings and trades heading into Free Agent Frenzy!
  1. ITR 45: Everything Is Happening
  2. ITR 44: We Have A Champion…Again
  3. ITR 43: It's Winning Time
  4. ITR 42: Ripe For Repeat?
  5. ITR 41: Stanley Cup Final – The Rematch

Discover more from Inside The Rink

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Maria Kaffes

Maria Kaffes is a sophomore at Syracuse University and covers the Philadelphia Flyers for Inside The Rink. She is pursuing a degree in public relations with double minors in sport management and creative writing. In addition to her role with Inside The Rink, she is the Syracuse Men's Ice Hockey's head photographer.

Leave a Reply

Providence Bruins Goalie Signs with Defending Stanley Cup Champions 

Providence Bruins Goalie Signs with Defending Stanley Cup Champions 

The defending Stanley Cup Champion Florida Panthers sign a goalie to potentially battle for the backup spot on the 2025-26 season.

Read More

Luke Cavallin Signs ELC With Boston Bruins

The Boston Bruins have signed goaltender Luke Cavallin to a one-year, entry-level contract worth $775,000. Cavallin, 24, is coming off a great year with the Trois-Rivières Lions as he put up a 19-10-2 record with a 2.13 GAA, .929SV%, and three shutouts. He also saw action in three games with the Laval Rocket, going 1-1 […]

Read More

New York Rangers Sign Vladislav Gavrikov; Trade K’Andre Miller to Carolina Hurricanes

New York Rangers Sign Vladislav Gavrikov; Trade K’Andre Miller to Carolina Hurricanes

Read More