Caleb Weiler
Wednesday night, the Flyers got back to their winning ways … after getting back to their losing way … after getting back to their winning ways.
The Flyers have now won seven out of the last eight games and are only two points out of a playoff spot behind the New York Islanders. Things are finally starting to look up for the boys in the Orange and Black in an extremely tough Metropolitan Division.
A big part of the reason the Flyers are able to still be sniffing the playoffs after a ten game losing streak is because of the resurgence of Claude Giroux, and boy did he perform on Wednesday night. Giroux had three spectacular passes to set up the plays.
Giroux had two secondary assists and one primary against the Red Wings and now he has 13 goals and 26 assists in 34 games, he is on pace to best his career high of 93 points by one if he stays on this pace. Giroux has never been an extremely flashy player but one that gets the job done on a consistent basis. In addition to his 39 points on the season, Giroux has won 270 faceoffs on the year and is sitting pretty at +10.
Not only is Giroux showing a resurgence, but Jake Voracek is finally living up to his contract, he leads the league in assists with 34 assists in 34 games and has tacked on eight goals for good measure. This dynamic duo, even though they aren’t on the same line anymore, are bringing the Flyers closer and closer to a playoff spot.
While it seems like Brian Elliott has finally cooled off, but after carrying the Flyers for two straight weeks it was time that the offense won a game for him. He had 25 saves on 28 shots for a save percentage of only .893 but it was good enough to keep the Flyers in in which was all they needed.
The Flyers will play the Buffalo Sabres and the Columbus Blue Jackets before the Christmas break and if they can continue to get offense from their two superstars in Giroux and Voracek the Flyers could see themselves in a playoff spot before long.
Also, congratulations to Robert Hagg who scored his first goal of his career tonight and to Sean Couturier who now has a career-best 16 goals in only 34 games this season. He is on fire.
Hagg gets the first goal of his career! pic.twitter.com/lqGN7ysrBj
— Nick Piccone (@nickpiccone) December 21, 2017
Highlights:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_pPmmGVjNA
Flyers are right back at it tomorrow night against the Sabres and will look to get another winning streak going before the break.
You can follow Caleb Weiler on Twitter (@TheBitter_Caleb) and e-mail him at [email protected]. Follow Philly Influencer on Twitter (@PHL_Influencer), Facebook and Instagram.