Flyers meet with the Devil(s) to get back on track

On Thursday, John Tortorella provided more transparency ahead of the recent loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning:

“It hasn’t changed my thinking as far as what I think needs to be done here. This team needs to be built, and it needs to be built from the footers. We’re not even in the foundation, we’re in the footer position as far as I’m concerned. Just try to build this foundation the proper way.”

John Tortorella, 12/1/2022

He established a baseline. Instead of focusing on a postseason berth, the mission is to grow. As the Philadelphia Flyers host the New Jersey Devils, the goal is to compete hard and have a chance to win. Find a win and keep moving.

New Jersey Devils (19-4-1)

Here’s the tentative lineup for the Devils, per Amanda Stein:

Tatar-Hischier-Bratt
Haula-Hughes-Mercer
Wood-McLeod-Zetterlund
Sharangovich-Boqvist-Holtz

Siegenthaler-Hamilton
Graves-Marino
Smith-Severson

Schmid
(Vanecek)

The Devils are atop the NHL. They’ll face the Flyers for the second time this season. Philadelphia won the season opener, 5-2. Travis Konecny and Morgan Frost each scored two goals for the Flyers in the victory. Since then, the Devils are on a ten-game road winning streak, and Philadelphia eventually snapped a ten-game losing streak.

Jack Hughes (12G, 16A) is on a four-game point streak. He recorded his 10th multi-point game of the season in the overtime loss to the Nashville Predators. His contribution helped keep the Devils in the game. Hughes will prove to be a tough test for Carter Hart.

Jonas Siegenthaler (+22, 38BLK, 9TK, 50.4%CF) was off in his performance against Nashville. He and Dougie Hamilton look to recover with a solid outing tonight.

Philadelphia Flyers (8-11-5)

Here’s the tentative lineup for the Flyers, per Olivia Reiner:

Hayes-Cates, N-Konecny
Willman-Sedlak-Tippett
Laughton-Frost-Farabee
Deslauriers-Brown-MacEwen

Provorov-Ristolainen
Sanheim-Braun
Seeler-DeAngelo

Hart
(Sandstrom)

Unsurprisingly, the Flyers are the underdog. Falling behind by two goals in half of their games, it’s an uphill battle often enough. In their last home game, Philadelphia was dominated in the second period. Tampa Bay ran away in the shots on goal department, 17-2, to the tune of a 3-0 lead.

Carter Hart (7-6-4, 2.81GAA, 91.4%SV) gave up four goals versus Tampa Bay. He’ll start tonight, while Felix Sandstrom backs him up.

Cam Atkinson could return to the lineup during the homestand but considers himself day-to-day. He isn’t restricted in any game-to-game activity, fully cleared. Atkinson was a full participant in practice on Friday. Injuries are still plaguing the Flyers’ lineup, but they’re not looking as battered as they were earlier this season.

Place Your Bets

Philadelphia Flyers moneyline (+195)
New Jersey Devils moneyline (-230)
Carter Hart o30.5 saves (-125)
Jack Hughes o.5 points (-200)

Game Information

You can watch the Philadelphia Flyers host the New Jersey Devils on NBC Sports Philadelphia. The radio broadcast is on 97.5 the Fanatic. The puck drops at 7pm.

(Photo Credit/Alex McIntyre)