PHILADELPHIA FLYERS vs NASHVILLE PREDATORS: GAME SUMMARY - OBSERVATIONS - INSIGHTS - HIGHLIGHTS

Key Matchup - Ivan Provorov vs Roman Josi

Roman Josi exploded last season, for a career high 96 points, the first defenseman to eclipse the 90 point plateau since Ray Bourque in 1993-94. Josi won the James Norris Trophy, as the NHL's top defensman in 2020 and was a runner up for the award last season, despite garnering more first place votes than the winner, Cale Maker. Josi has averaged .71 points per game over the span of his career and has been considered a top two-way D in the NHL, since he took over the number roll from Shea Weber for the start of the 2017 season.

Ivan Provorov burst onto the scene in Philly as a rookie in 2016-17 and put up a career high in points the following year, with 17 goals and 24 assists for 41 points. Provorov had another productive season in 2019-2020, with 13 goals and 23 assists for 36 points in 69 games, but has since left the Flyers faithful wanting and expecting more. Provorov appears to back on track this season, under the aggressive style of head coach John Tortorella; a style of play that has been seen in Philly for years. In four games, Provorov has 4 assists, is plus 3, with 10 shots, 10 hits, and 15 blocked shots. The eye test doesn't lie either; Provorov looks energized, engaged, and dangerous.

Josi was his noticeable, stable force on the back end and a consistent threat offensively, but nothing materialized for him against the Flyers and his frustration was on full display let in the third. Josi was held off the game sheet and was a -1, with 7 shots on net.

Provorov looked poised and aggressive again tonight, as his rejuvenation under John Tortorella continues through his first five games. Provorov finished the night +2, with 1 assist, 3 shots, 2 hits, and 4 blocked shots.

1. The Big Hayes-y Effect:

With six assists on the year, Hayes was due for his first goal of the season and he wasted little time, burying the opening goal of the game at the 3:13 mark.

Hayes made a slippery no look pass to Farabee midway through the third, to end the night with 1 goal and 1 assist, in 18:36 of ice time.

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3. Some Call Me The Nostradamus Of Hockey:

Kevin Hayes found Farabee entering the zone at full speed and slipped him a slick feed in the third, for an insurance maker.

Farabee ripped a quick snap shot short side, to give him his third point of the night and first goal of the year.

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4. Noah Cates' Dog Pound Won't Back Down!

The Flyers roll players continue to make meaningful contributions and set the tone for Philadelphia.

Nick Deslauriers had an awkward attempt at a fight with Mark Borowieki, which was followed up by Nick Seeler and Cole Smith, who had a big league tilt.

John Tortorella said he wanted more from his roll players and suggested MacEwen snipe a goal or two. Well, ask and ye shall receive.

Nashville has a big, heavy team who forecheck hard, finish every hit and have one of the most dangerous lineups in the NHL, but the Philadelphia Flyers Dog Pound will not be intimidated.

The Flyers battled hard to secure the win and are showing a willingness to stand their ground in a pack mentality.

5. Prayers For Mark Borowieki:

Borowieki hit the dasher on a simple phase out hit by Morgan Frist and appeared unconscious before he hit the ice.

Hoping for a speedy recovery for Borowieki.

6. CAHTAH HAHT!

An unbelievable performance by Carter Hart. Hart continued his hot play by stopping 31 of 32 shots, being beat on a late power play opportunity by Matt Duchene.

Hart is now 4-0 with a goals against average of 1.75 and a save percentage of .949.