Philadelphia Flyers eyeing fifth straight win as they play against Toronto Maple Leafs – NHL Preview
The slumping Toronto Maple Leafs are seemingly an easy target for the surging Philadelphia Flyers, who are expected to put another dent to the former’s playoff hopes.
From the last month, Leafs are undergoing one of their worst slumps and by the looks of the things, they might not even qualify for the playoffs.
On the other hand, Flyers are well placed in the comfort zone of National Hockey League (NHL) Eastern Conference and their chances would not be hurt even if they get defeated against Leafs.
Flyers and leafs will face each other on Saturday, March 10, 2012, at Air Canada Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Here is a look at both teams.
Flyers
They have not lost any game this month and the wins came against New York Islanders (6-3), Washington Capitals (1-0), Detroit Red Wings (3-2) and Florida Panthers (5-0).
With Flyers’ offence in such an exploding form and defence ably maintaining shutouts as well, it would take a miraculous effort from Leafs to defeat them.
Defenseman, Brandon Manning, who was playing his first game with the team, was impressive against Panthers and was appreciated by coach, Peter Laviolette, after the game. Laviolette said:
"Mandog (Manning) was terrific. He moved the puck, he generated some offense and defensively he held his own out there. Coming in for the first time is never an easy thing and I thought he did a terrific job. Played regular shifts, regular minutes, and he
looked good out there doing it."
Flyers are ranked at fifth spot in the Eastern Conference with 83 points after 66 games.
Leafs
Leafs have lost 12 out of their last 14 games and are presently on a two-game skid with the recent defeats coming against Boston Bruins (5-2) and Pittsburgh Penguins (3-2).
Against Penguins, Leafs had a two-goal lead in the second period, but they gave a goal in the same period and two more in the final to lose the game.
The newly appointed coach, Randy Carlyle, was satisfied with the team’s performance, but not with the result. He said after the game:
"We showed signs of enthusiasm and stuck with our game-plan. I thought our work ethic was stronger and but we ran out of bodies again tonight."
Leafs are ranked at 12th spot in the Eastern Conference with 67 points after 67 games and are five points behind the eighth-ranked Washington Capitals.
Predictions
Flyers have an evident edge.
The sum of goals scored by both teams might stay under six.
If Leafs win, the winning margin will be less than two goals.
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