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Flyers-Jets observations: Scott Gordon’s influence

One of the most difficult things for Flyers players seems to be explaining their resurgence without criticizing the previous coach.

James van Riemsdyk (left) celebrates his third-period goal with teammates Claude Giroux and Travis Konecny against the Jets.
James van Riemsdyk (left) celebrates his third-period goal with teammates Claude Giroux and Travis Konecny against the Jets.Read moreYONG KIM / Staff Photographer

Here are five observations from the Flyers' 3-1 victory Monday night over the Winnipeg Jets:

Carter Hart stars (again)

It seems a foregone conclusion at this point: Named the first star again Monday night, Hart will overtake Claude Giroux as the team’s Toyota Cup points race leader within the next two weeks.

Which doesn’t bother Giroux. ``You’re not supposed to be a 20-year-old and play the way he’s playing right now,” the captain said about Hart after the victory over Winnipeg. “He’s just playing, having fun, and we’re trying to do the best in front of him.

“I don’t think he knows how to panic, so that’s a good thing.”

Hart, who stopped 31 of 32 shots, has 25 points in the 13 games he has manned the nets for the Flyers. Giroux has 31. First star is worth five points, second is worth three, and third star receives one point.

``I think it’s not surprising that he has been capable to be as good as he is because we know how talented he is,’’ said Flyers interim coach Scott Gordon, who coached Hart in Lehigh Valley earlier this season. ``But I think the part that’s been impressive is how he’s handled the whole process of getting to this point and doing it in some pretty good competition.’’

Ghost disappears

Shayne Gostisbehere’s tough season got tougher when he got bruised in Monday’s morning skate, and had to sit out the Jets game.

He is expected to miss Tuesday’s game in New York. ``We’re hopeful that he will be able to play against Boston and more than likely be able to play on Saturday" against Edmonton, Gordon said.

Gordon’s influence

One of the most difficult things for Flyers players seems to be explaining their resurgence without criticizing the previous coach. Here’s James van Riemsdyk, for example, when asked why this type of play could not have begun sooner: ``I don’t know how to answer that best. Now, things are set up a little differently than they were …’’

Continuing his resurgence under Gordon, van Riemsdyk scored the Flyers' third goal and led the team with six shots.

Here’s Giroux: ``We’re confident in the way we’re playing … a lot of details.’’

That word, details, comes up a lot in praise of Gordon, from GM Chuck Fletcher on down to fourth-liner Phil Varone. With limited practice time, Gordon has leaned heavily on using selected clips from previous games to point out positional mistakes. Sunday, it was the forecheck. Monday, it was defensive zone coverage. Both were keys in Monday’s win.

Provorov’s ice time

Ivan Provorov played 28 minutes, 3 seconds Monday night. That’s one thing that hasn’t changed under new coaching: the recognition that, despite his struggles this year, he is still their most leaned-on defenseman.

It was Provorov’s eighth career game of 28 minutes or more, his third this season. It was, however, only the second time the Flyers have won when he has played as much.

``Not just Provy, but all of our defensemen, we want them to have a pass-and-go mentality and not necessarily be that person that needs to carry it the length of the ice as a defenseman,’’ Gordon said. ``Get the puck in the forwards' hands, follow the play, be the late guy. If there’s opportunities to be part of a 3-on-1, by all means you have the green light to go.

"If you’re not moving the puck, not distributing the puck and you’re getting yourself caught up still looking for the perfect option, you’re not going to get those opportunities. And I found if there has been one area Provy has improved upon, it’s that.’’

One last thought ...

The between-periods entertainment Monday included Gritty skating around the ice and knocking down goalies. Besides being a penalty, this is unwise on a number of fronts, not the least of which is that, with seven goalies used already, the Flyers might need one of those guys before the season is through.