Don't look now, but after a horrible 1-7-0 start, the Philadelphia Flyers are 10-11-2 and back in the thick of the race in the NHL's Metropolitan Division. One reason for the team's turnaround is the improved play of their defensive corps which has helped spur the club's recent success.
The statistical difference is striking. During the season-opening eight game slump, Philadelphia's defensemen totaled just seven points are were a combined minus-17.
However, during the team's recent 6-0-1 streak, the defensemen have contributed more offensively and have played a better game in their own zone. The six starters have combined for one goal and 12 points and were a combined plus-34.
In their 1-7-0 start, the Flyers were outscored 24-11. In their recent 6-0-1 streak, the Flyers outscored their opponents 27-11.
One factor in Philadelphia's recent hot streak is that coach Craig Berube has finally settled on his top-six defensive pairings and the players are getting comfortable with each other and meshing well.
The duos are now Braydon Coburn and Kimmo Timonen; Nicklas Grossmann and Mark Streit; and Luke Sch ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Brad Kurtzberg
NHL: How Philadelphia Flyers’ Defense Has Spurred Recent Winning Streak
November 25th, 2013 by Brad Kurtzberg Leave a reply »
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