Flyers Game 61, The Best of the West; Lines, Notes, & How to Watch vs. Jets

The Philadelphia Flyers (26-26-8) travel to Winnipeg, Manitoba, to take on the Jets (42-15-3), the best team in the Western Conference.

The Jets were the winners of 11 straight games before the Predators snapped that streak on Thursday. The scorching hot Jets are on an unbelievable 15-4-1 stretch in their last 20 games. The Flyers on the other hand, are 8-9-3 in their last 20 games. Philly has scored 16 goals in their three games since the break, while Winnipeg has scored 11 in their four games.

The puck drops at 7:00 p.m. EST (6:00 p.m. CST).

Read More: Flyers Trade Deadline Tracker: Rumors, Possible Destinations, & More

Projected Lines

Forwards

Tyson Foerster – Noah Cates – Bobby Brink

Owen Tippett – Sean Couturier – Matvei Michkov

Andrei Kuzmenko – Scott Laughton – Travis Konecny

Jakob Pelletier – Ryan Poehling – Nicolas Deslauriers

Defensemen

Cam York – Travis Sanheim

Egor Zamula – Rasmus Ristolainen

Nick Seeler – Jamie Drysdale

Goaltender

Ivan Fedotov

Power Play Units

PP1: Scott Laughton – Matvei Michkov – Travis Konecny – Andrei Kuzmenko – Rasmus Ristolainen

PP2: Noah Cates – Tyson Foerster – Bobby Brink – Travis Sanheim – Jamie Drysdale

Penalty Kill Units

PK1: Scott Laughton – Travis Konecny – Nick Seeler – Rasmus Ristolainen

PK2: Noah Cates – Ryan Poehling – Travis Sanheim – Cam York

Read More: The Last Supper; A Scott Laughton Goodbye?

Rookie Scoring Leader

Matvei Michkov will look to build on the momentum he has gained in the first three games since the 4 Nations break.

In those three games, Michkov scored three goals and five assists, which totaled eight points. He has jumped to the rookie lead in goals scored (19) and power play goals (7). He is also tied with Lane Hutson for most points by a rookie (44).

In Saturday’s game against the Jets, Michkov will look to extend his points streak, and start creating separation between himself and the other rookies on the scoresheet.

Read More: Calder Trophy Watch: Michkov On Top of Rookie Scoring Ladder

Beating Hellebuyck

The Jets are an absolute wagon. They have everything a team needs to be successful: A great core of forwards, and a solid group of blueliners. Most importantly, the Jets have arguably the best netminder in the league with Connor Hellebuyck.

Stifling the Jets’ offense is critical if the Flyers want to win, that is true. However, if the Flyers really want to win, they are going to have to find a way to beat Hellebuck.

Hellybuck’s .926 save percentage is just .001 shy of the NHL lead, and his 2.02 goals against average leads the NHL. He also earned the nod as the starting goalie for Team USA in the 4 Nations Face-Off. Helleybuck is easily one of the best, if not the best puck-stopper in the league. Maybe John Tortorella picked up a few ways to get pucks by him during his time with him at 4 Nations.

Previous Matchups

Saturday’s game marks the first meeting between the two teams this season. A home game against the Flames separates Saturday’s game from the next meeting.

The Flyers have been successful against the Jets in their last 10 meetings. Philadelphia’s record against Winnipeg is 6-4-0. Since the team moved to Winnipeg (previously the Atlanta Thrashers; the Old Jets (1979-95) are now the Arizona Coyotes), the Flyers are 16-8-3 against the Jets.

How to Watch

TV: NBC Sports Philadelphia, ESPN+

Radio: 93.3 WMMR

The puck drops at 7:00 p.m. EST. (6:00 p.m. CST.) at the Canada Life Centre.