The Flyers' efforts to strengthen the blueline over the offseason has so far been paying off with a stronger defensive presence. Even when the club wasn't scoring much in the first couple weeks of the season, it was generally playing strong D. Now that the offense has come around, the team has been clicking. Some encouraging defensive signs:
* The Flyers have cut back on the number of shots and scoring chances they give up each game. So far, the team is in the top 3 for fewest shots allowed per game, permitting 26.8 shots and outshooting opponents most nights. That has made life easier on rookie goalie Sergei Bobrovsky.
* The team has been much better in terms of territorial control and defensive zone clears. While I don't have the stats on the club's giveways and failed clears from the first month of this season compared to the averages last year, there's anecdotal evidence that the club is taking much better care of the puck.
* The penalty kill was a strength last season, and has been just as good during the first month of the 2010-11 season. The team has killed off 88.5% of its penalties this season, including the last 15 in a row.
* Faceoffs have not been a Flyers' strength in recent years, and the team struggled out of the gates this year. However, they've been over 50% in five of the last six games, with much of the improvement coming in the all-important defensive zone draw category.
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A few updates on the injury front:
* Andrej Meszaros reports no headaches and continues to skate. From all appearances, the concussion he sustained on Saturday night was of the grade 1 variety and there is a pretty good chance that he will be in the lineup tomorrow night against the Rangers.
* Andreas Nodl (shoulder) was still not ready to return to the ice yesterday. Look for Eric Wellwood to stay in the lineup tomorrow after a solid NHL debut against Carolina.
* Michael Leighton (back surgery) is slated to continue light activity on the ice. He is still about two weeks from being able to return to full practice.
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With their 3-0 shutout win against Montreal last night, the Columbus Blue Jackets became the first NHL team this season to hold wins against all four conference finalists from last season's playoffs. They have won 7 of their first 11 games, despite being outscored by opponents on the young season. Today's
Daily Drop at Versus.com looks at the Blue Jackets' strong start.
This week's
Across the Pond at NHL.com looks at the first two months of the DEL season in Germany.
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