''Playing The Right Way''. What Does That Mean For The Philadelphia Flyers

There is no denying the Flyers are a much better defensive team then in the past. John Tortorella has instilled a pack mentality in the defensive zone, particularly in protecting Carter Hart and Felix Sandstrom in the paint. The Flyers are minimizing second chance opportunities down low, sacrificing their bodies to clog shooting lanes, and being more aggressive and physical on the puck carrier.

The Flyers are not content with sitting in a low zone and allowing teams to freely work the perimeter without pressure, something the previous, most recent bench bosses coached. The only time the Flyers sit back without perimeter pressure is on the penalty kill; which ranks 23rd in the league at 74.4%.

When Tortorella talks about playing the right way, you can see the effective change in philosophy, structure, and execution on defense, however the same cannot be said about the Flyers offense, where the term has not translated with the same effectiveness.

The Flyers are currently 29th overall in the NHL with 70 goals in 29 games, sitting 38 goals behind the league leading Los Angeles Kings.

Injuries have obviously been detrimental to the Flyers offense. Sean Couturier broke out offensively in 2017-18 and has fallen just shy of being a point a game player since. He hasn't played this season. Cam Atkinson sniped 23 goals for Philly last year and 50 points; he's yet to suit up. James Van Reimsdyk is a perennial 20+ goal scorer and key power play figure. JVR broke a finger and missed 20 games. Travis Konecny missed half a dozen games, after starting the season off on a torrid pace.

There is no debating injuries have significantly impacted the Flyers offense and ability to win games; it is a simple fact. But what will a John Tortorella offense look like with a healthy lineup?

The early indications suggest the Flyers will be a dump and chase, «wear down the D», cycle the puck, minimize unnecessary risk, and grind out goals kind of team, which is concerning. The league has changed considerably since Tortorella first landed a head coaching job in 2000, as the big body, clutch and grab style that was once prominent, has been replaced.

Size is still an asset, but speed, creativity, elusiveness, and compete level are the more dominant traits of successful player's now. Predictably is easier to defend against than creativity is. Players who stay on the wall are easier to contain and less of a threat than players who attack open ice and utilize the entire offensive zone to their advantage.

The Flyers have skilled and creative players, but there is an overwhelming sense that «playing the right way» means suppressing creativity at times and opting for the safe option instead; get the puck low and work it. Multiple times a game players forfeit possession to dump the puck, when there is time and space to hold and potentially create. Morgan Frost, Joel Farabee, Owen Tippett, Noah Cates, Travis Konecny, and Kevin Hayes all have the ability to create, but too often they, or their linemates are encouraged to dump the puck and then be forced play retrieval. I'm not suggesting abandoning the dump and chase, as it is the best option in many circumstances, but its predictability and over usage may be a reason the Flyers lack offense. Would you rather a player lose the puck actively trying to create offense through creativity, or the same player lose the puck in the corner on a cycle?

Of the aforementioned players, Konecny and Tippett seem to be the only ones who will regularly drive off the wall into the middle to try and create. When players do cut into the slot it causes coverage issues, as multiple players typically converge on the puck carrier, which can free up looks. The middle of the ice creates much better shooting angles as well and can force the goalie to challenge high in his crease, leaving goal line passes to either side a viable option.

Tortorella says he expects more from his skilled players, but are his skilled guys afraid make plays under his watch? Fear is not conducive to a winning mentality. Skilled players have to feel confident about their skills set and with confidence the offense will come. Perhaps that is the swagger Tortorella spoke of earlier in the season; something that is lacking in Philadelphia. Morgan Frost appeared to have swagger for the majority of the game against Arizona, as he appeared to have the puck on a string all night, but where has that been all year?

The Flyers must take advantage of and promote the skill sets of its players. Morgan Frost is not a grinder. Joel Farabee is not a dump and chase player. Kevin Hayes and JVR are monsters on their blades, but they are not muckers and grinders; they are puck possession players.

Each player in the lineup has a unique skill set and that must not be discounted and repressed to try a mold every player to play the same style. Those unique skills must be exploited and encouraged, maybe then the Flyers offense will thrive.