RALEIGH, N.C. – One player’s presence or absence probably couldn’t have changed the outcome of the Flyers’ Game 1 3-0 loss to the Hurricanes on Saturday night but not having him certainly didn’t help any.
Owen Tippett took part in the morning skate at Levono Center, raising hopes he might play. But those diminished when Tippett, nursing one or more injuries, was still out on the ice after the regulars had hit the showers.
The Flyers admitted they could have used the big right wing. His speed might have helped push the Carolina defense back on its heels a bit.”
Sean Couturier admitted the Flyers could have used the big right wing because of his speed and power.
“He’s a big part of our game,” Couturier said. “Big, fast, physical. Great shot, so it’s playoffs. Some guys go down, you need guys to step up. Tonight we didn’t have it.”
>Change of styles
Carolina plays a much faster, uptempo style than the Pittsburgh Penguins did. The Flyers didn’t do a very good job adjusting in Game 1.
“It is a different style of game,” Couturier said. “It’s on us to be ready to prepare ourselves.”
Travis Konecny was asked what the Flyers need to do to break through against Carolina goalie Frederik Andersen.
“The more that we can get them to stop in the D-zone, because they like to fly around, don’t like stopping,” Konecny said. “If you can get them to stop, then we can start playing our game. Get more shots (the Flyers only had 19). I think we’ll have a better chance.”
>Line juggling required
Coach Rick Tocchet mixed up his lines for the third period but nothing much changed. The Flyers just couldn’t generate consistent pressure on the Carolina net.
“I didn’t like our start,” Tocchet said. “The matchups they were getting. Then it’s three-nothing, so I figured change it up.”
One of the eyebrow-raising moves had rookie Denver Barkey shifting back to center.
“I actually don’t mind ‘Barks’ in the middle,” Tocchet said. “I thought he was effective.”
>Power failure again
The Flyers had four power plays and produced a grand total of one shot. No surprise there. The Flyers have finished last in the NHL four of the last five seasons with the man advantage.
“Got to make a play,” Tocchet said. “As coaches, there are plays to be made, you got to make them. You got to go around them. Those are plays you have to make. You have to know what’s going to happen before it comes. Two moves ahead. Their PK is fast, they’re going right at you.”
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