New Jersey Devils Matchup Preview: Philadelphia Flyers

By Tyler Zupan |

Last time, I began my preview of the Devils match-ups in the Metropolitan Division with the Carolina Hurricanes. While Carolina has often been viewed as a thorn in New Jersey’s side by many fans, the next team in the series is a hated rival. I am talking about the team that has stolen many southern New Jerseyans as fans, the Philadelphia Flyers.

The “Battle of the Jersey Turnpike” will add another chapter to its history in 2015-2016, although it will probably be a less exciting one. Both the New Jersey Devils and Flyers missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs last season, and both figure to be on the outside looking in again this season given the strength of other teams in the Eastern Conference.

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Last Season Recap: The Devils won the season series against the Flyers in 2014-2015, going 3-1 in four games. In those three wins, the Devils offense was on fire, scoring 16 goals.

2015-2016 Scheduled Meetings: 10/29 at Philadelphia, 12/4 at New Jersey, 2/13 at Philadelphia, 2/16 at New Jersey

What to Expect: The Flyers will be again feature a team this season that will be strong in the offensive zone, but a concern on the blue line. However, if the defense performs well this season under new head coach Dave Hakstol, the Flyers could be a potential bubble playoff team.

The forward group is as strong as ever in Philly, headlined by captain Claude Giroux, Jakub Voracek, and Wayne Simmonds. Those three will be a threat every night, while Brayden Schenn, Matt Read, Sean Couturier, and the newly acquired Sam Gagner will all be solid secondary options.

Defense however, will continue to be the Flyers potential Achilles heel. Philly lacks a true number one defenseman, something they have not had since Chris Pronger was healthy. Mark Streit is likely to serve in that role, with Luke Schenn, Andrew McDonald, and the resurged Michael Del Zotto serving as a supporting cast.

The Flyers also have the hard hitting Radko Gudas and the stay-at-home Nick Schultz as options on defense. Prospect Shayne Gostisbehere will look to earn a spot on the team after a knee injury ended his 2014-2015 campaign, while top draft picks Ivan Provorov and Travis Sanheim will also look to earn spots on Dave Hakstol’s roster.

In goal, the Flyers will feature Steve Mason as their starter for the third straight year. Though he has played remarkably well in his first two seasons in Philly, there are some concerns with Mason’s health. The Flyers addressed that potential issue this offseason by signing backup Michal Neuvirth as insurance.

Advantages and Disadvantages: The Devils have always had advantages over the Flyers throughout the history of their rivalry in terms of their goaltending and defense. That trend will more than likely continue this season as well.

Though he does not get enough credit for it, Cory Schneider is a top goaltender in the league and is clearly the better netminder over Steve Mason. Neuvirth however, is a much more serviceable backup than Keith Kinkaid.

On defense, while both teams lack a true number one, the Devils have the advantage with veteran Andy Greene leading a supporting cast of talented youths who are quickly maturing into quality players. Adam Larsson, Damon Severson, and Eric Gelinas will look to continue developing and building on their early successes.

At forward, the Devils are at an extreme disadvantage to the Flyers, which will likely be a common trend throughout these previews. Adam Henrique, Mike Cammalleri, Patrik Elias, and offseason acquisition Kyle Palmieri will be good contributors, but they cannot match the scoring talents of Giroux, Voracek, or Simmonds.

On special teams last season, Philly had one of the best powerplays and one of the worst penalty kills. Unless David Hakstol’s system can fix the PK, that will likely be the same this season.

The Devils powerplay on the other hand, will likely not be as strong due to lackluster scoring, despite overachieving and being eighth overall last season. Hopefully John Hynes’ fast paced offensive scheme can prove me wrong. On the PK, with Bryce Salvador now gone, New Jersey’s unit should and will be much better.

Prediction: Given where both teams stand on paper, it is unlikely to be a featured matchup that everyone talks about. However, this rivalry always provided some exciting games filled with bad blooded, hard-hitting intensity, and will continue to do so this year.

The Flyers have a dangerously potent offense that could compete with anyone, but the Devils have a difference maker in net with Cory Schneider. He will ultimately be the reason the Devils steal a couple of games from Philly. That’s right, the Devils will split this season series with the Flyers two games a piece.

Now it is time to see what you, the citizens of New Jersey and fans of this rivalry think? Who will come out on top in this latest chapter of the Battle of the Jersey Turnpike? Please feel free to give your thoughts in the comments section below.

Next: New Jersey Devils Roster: Possible Additions Before October

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