What Happened
The Philadelphia Flyers have opened the season at 0-6-3, the worst start in franchise history, according to Sportsnet. The team that reached the second round last spring has seen its defensive structure fall apart, particularly in transition. Philadelphia has allowed 11 rush goals in nine games, and its rankings in expected goals against and rush chances against per 60 minutes have dropped sharply from last season's post-Olympic levels.
Key Details
- Flyers are 0-6-3, the worst start in franchise history.
- Nearly 30 years since a playoff team began the next season with a nine-game winless streak.
- Last season after the Olympic break: 18-7-1, third in expected goals against per 60.
- Final 26 games last season: fewest rush scoring chances against per 60 in the NHL.
- This season: 30th in expected goals against and 22nd in rush chances against per 60.
- 11 rush goals allowed in nine games (1.2 per 60) versus eight in 26 games (0.3 per 60) last season.
What It Means
Philadelphia's success last season was built on limiting chances, especially off the rush. That structure has not carried over, and the drop in expected goals against and rush chances against per 60 minutes helps explain the winless start. The Flyers are giving opponents more clean entries and quick-strike opportunities than they did during last year's late surge and first-round series against Pittsburgh.
What's Next
The Flyers can extend the winless streak to 10 games when they host the Ottawa Senators on Rogers Saturday Night Hockey, according to Sportsnet.