PhHN Daily: Flyers Cruise; Martone’s Big Game; Crosby Injured vs. Senators

Welcome to the 3/27 edition of the PhHN Daily, where we have the latest Philadelphia Flyers news. That includes a look at their latest game, as well as some prospect talk, including Porter Martone’s big day at the NCAA Tournament, and a college free agent signing.

After Thursday’s win, we take an updated look at the Eastern Conference playoff pictures, as well as the games coming up to keep an eye on.

Around the league, there are two injuries to keep an eye on, major ones for two teams that are in the playoff hunt. We also look at how the players could decide what change comes for an Eastern Conference team this offseason, and much more.

Get it all on the 3/27 edition of the PhHN Daily.

Philadelphia Flyers

Philly Hockey Now: The Philadelphia Flyers cruised to a 5-1 win vs. the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday. A scoring outburst put the team in a comfortable position for the win, and they held on for the big bounce-back win.

Thursday was also the first day of the NCAA men’s ice hockey tournament. Flyers’ prospects Porter Martone, Shane Vansaghi, and the Michigan State Spartans played their first game vs. the UConn Huskies.

MSU pulled away with the 2-1 victory in the first round, sending them to the regional finals on Saturday, where they will play Wisconsin. The time is still to be determined.

Martone played a big role in Thursday’s win, earning the primary assist on Ryker Lee’s equalizer and scoring the game-winner after forcing a turnover on the forecheck. For his assist, Martone rifled a shot in on goal, which bounced to Lee.

Martone’s goal was a thing of beauty. He grabbed the loose puck near the slot, but had two guys and no room to go. Martone then waited for Teirnan Shoudy, made the pass, then got in position for the one-time blast for the game-winner—a high-IQ play by the Flyers’ prospect.

For more on Martone, check out our conversation with the top prospect, as he talks about World Juniors, his focus at MSU, and the relationships he’s built with current Flyers and at MSU.

Keeping things in the Big Ten, the Flyers went official with their nearly week-long rumored move. The team announced that it has officially signed Ohio State center Riley Thompson to a one-year ELC starting next season.

The playoff picture, and where the Flyers stand

The Flyers won on Thursday, but so did a few of the other teams in the fight. Let’s take a look at the updated NHL standings.

The Flyers pretty much gained no ground with their win on Thursday. Not pictured are the Washington Capitals, who sit at 81 points, just one behind the Flyers in both the Wild Card and Metropolitan race.

The Islanders are back in the Wild Card and are tied with the Blue Jackets with 87 points. Philadelphia is now 5 points back of both the Wild Card and the Metropolitan with a game in hand on the Jackets, and two on the Islanders.

Still, with 11 games to go, 5 points is a challenging task.

There are just two games on the Friday slate, and only one that could affect the Flyers – sort of.

At 7:00 p.m. EST, the Buffalo Sabres (A1) host the Detroit Red Wings (WC4). The Red Wings are pretty much out of the running for the last spot in the Atlantic, so they are a Wild Card fighter with the Flyers. Plus, the two teams play on Saturday, so maybe the Flyers get a tired Red Wings team in Detroit. Both teams have to travel.

NHL rumors & news

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Bad news in Pittsburgh from their game vs. the Senators on Thursday. Captain Sidney Crosboy left the first period with what looked like a lower-body injury. He returned for the opening draw in the second, but never went back on the ice. Dan Kingerski has the latest on Crosby’s injury.

NHL.com: Speaking of the Senators, and injury, the surging Senators were dealt a tough hand. Ottawa is making a push for the playoffs, but will now be doing so without defenseman Thomas Chabot. Chabot is now out for the regular season, and potentially for the season after getting surgery to repair a broken arm.

NHLtraderumors.Me: Is there a big change coming in Toronto? After a downright disappointing season, the Maple Leafs could look to change things up this offseason. Elliotte Freidman says there will be change, but it may not be in management’s hands.

Boston Hockey Now: James Hagens, the 7th overall pick from 2025, has made his professional debut. Well, sort of. Instead of signing his ELC, the Bruins’ top prospect signed an ATO, starting his career with the Providence Bruins. Jack Studley writes about Hagens’ fresh opportunity.

Florida Hockey Now: After winning the Stanley Cup last season, the Florida Panthers’ season is all but over. However, are they going to sit on their hands and just finish the season? No, the Panthers are going out swinging.

The post PhHN Daily: Flyers Cruise; Martone’s Big Game; Crosby Injured vs. Senators appeared first on Philly Hockey Now.

PhHN Daily: Flyers Cruise; Martone’s Big Game; Crosby Injured vs. Senators

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