The Flyers posted "Back in the Saddle again" as the road trip rolls on, and the numbers say Philadelphia has a steep climb ahead.
The team sits at 4-10-4 with 12 points in 18 games. Thursday's 3-2 loss at the Rangers made it two straight defeats, and Rick Tocchet's group now heads to Calgary for Sunday's game looking for something to build on.
Start with the goal column. Philadelphia has scored 39 and allowed 61, a goal differential of -22. The offense isn't good, but the 61 against is what buries this team night after night.
Then there's the home and road split. The Flyers are 3-4-3 at home, nothing to brag about, but they're 1-6-1 away from it. That road mark is where the season has really leaked.
The last 10 games read 4-5-1, which is close to the middle of the pack as a stretch. The problem is that it comes with a losing streak attached, and the next two games are both on the road.
The Flyers' account kept the message short, posting "Back in the Saddle again" with the #LetsGoFlyers hashtag.
The saddle line is cute. The road record is not.
Why Calgary is a real chance for Philadelphia
The Flames are 7-9-1 and have lost two straight themselves, the latest a 3-5 home loss to the Ducks on Friday. They have allowed 60 goals, almost the same hole the Flyers are digging in.
Calgary is 5-4-0 at home, so this won't be a gift. But a team that gave up five at home on Friday is a team the Flyers can pressure, and Ryan Huska's lineup doesn't scare anyone with a 6-3-1 mark over its last 10.
If Philadelphia wants to turn this around, it starts with shrinking that goals-against number, especially away from home. The game-by-game picture shows how thin the margin has been lately.
Sunday in Calgary is another chance to move that 1-6-1 road record in the right direction.
Quick hits
ST. LOUIS BLUESThe Blues stalled in Nashville after a hot start, losing 3-1 in the NHL Network showcase. It's their third straight defeat and a 1-2-1 finish to the four-game road trip.
OTTAWA SENATORSLinus Ullmark's return from injury has been delayed again, according to the latest report. Ottawa will have to wait longer to get its goalie back, and that's a real problem.
FLORIDA PANTHERSPaul Maurice gave the first update on Sandis Vilmanis' injury. The Panthers coach has no diagnosis to share yet, so there's nothing to take from it for now.
MINNESOTA WILDMarcus Foligno and Nick Foligno have been activated, and both are expected to play tonight against the Lightning. The lineup gets a shakeup, and it should feel it right away.
SEATTLE KRAKENMike Sullivan confirmed that Joonas Korpisalo will start in goal for the Rangers tonight in Seattle, according to Mollie Walker. It's a quick turnaround for the team that just beat the Flyers.
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