If there's one thing we learned about Philadelphia Flyers head coach Peter Laviolette from HBO's "24/7: Road to the NHL Winter Classic" documentary, it's that Lavvy is constantly professing the necessity to play with "jam."
Now, he's not talking about the kind of jam you pair up with some of Jaromir Jagr's Creamy Peanut Butter for an afternoon snack. Lavvy's talking about winning battles and wearing the opponents defense down. He's talking about that extra vigor that was present over the weekend while facing rival opponents Boston and Pittsburgh, but was missing on Tuesday night at home vs. Florida. When the Flyers play with "jam," they are quickly on top of defensemen on the forecheck, pounding pucks loose and creating not just one scoring chance, but two and three good looks at the net. When their not playing with "jam," they are opting for a brand of hockey that can best be described as "too cute." They pass up open shot opportunities and look for the perfect goal, rather than the ugly one (a Wayne Simmonds goal) Sure, they may have out-shot Florida 36-13, completely stifling them defensively, but the physical presence and second chance opportunities were not there in Floridas end. Save for the last 5 minutes, it may have been the quietest 36 shots of the season, and because the Flyers failed to wear down the Panthers defense, they were able to hold off the late surge for the 2-1 victory.
We've seen this from the Flyers (and other teams for that matter) before. They have a tendency to elevate their emotional level against rival opponents, before letting it drop against the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers of the league. Obviously, points against rivals count just the same as points against the rest of the league.
The loss on Tuesday night at home vs. the Panthers may have been the final nail in the coffin on the Flyers attempt to win the Atlantic Divison, and ultimately the Eastern Conference. They now sit 7 points back of the Division and Conference leading New York Rangers with 9 remaining. The 5 losses in 5 games vs. the Rangers this season and their inadequacy in shoot-outs (3-6 record) may be the main culprit, but crucial losses to Florida, Long Island, Edmonton and Winnipeg over the last couple of months may prove to be just as costly. Nevertheless, the Flyers can still catch the Penguins and secure home-ice advantage in the 1st round. They are just 4 points back with 2 games against them.
There are fans that are of the opinion that since the Flyers have been such a good road team this season (4 more wins on the road than at home thus far), home-ice advantage is not essential. I disagree. Having the best fans in hockey behind you to kick off the playoffs has always been, and will always be an advantage for the Orange & Black. Regardless of who they play in the 1st round or what city the series beings in, they can beat any team they face..as long as they play with "jam."
While it hasnt made a huge difference in the regular season, I think home ice will give us an obvious advantage because of our amazing fans. What I love most about hockey is that it's the most exciting postseason you will experience with any sport. I look forward to participating in the Orange Crush at least a few times this postseason :-)
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