By Noam Gumerman
It’s a huge game this weekend for the Carolina Flyers, as they get set to host the undefeated South Division leaders, Austin Sol this Saturday, June 28, at 7 p.m. EDT. A Flyers win will add a fifth straight win to their win streak, and make them one of the two or three hottest teams in the league over the last month, with a marquee win to boot. A win will also keep their playoff destiny completely in their control, whereas a loss will require some help from other teams in addition to winning out. Every game is critical as we head down the back half of this UFA season.
The Flyers come into this week’s huge matchup riding high, having won their last four games to make it back to .500 after a winless start to the season. The Flyers have responded to their early-season adversity with an increased emphasis and effort towards generating blocks on defense, something they have improved weekly throughout their win streak. Offensively, when Allan Laviolette has been on the field he’s been the driving force of the Carolina offense. But, last week, down Laviolette, players like Grayson Sanner, Jacob Fairfax, and Dylan Hawkins really began to find their form. If the Flyers can get a balanced offensive showing in addition to big moments from the stars, that’s when they are at their most dangerous.
While the sum total of Austin’s results has certainly been dominant, they’ve been forced into some tight spots over their last few games, winning their last four games by just seven total points. Additionally, they will be coming into Durham straight off the back of a Friday night game against Atlanta, which, as Carolina knows, is not an easy place to go play. At home, with their opponent coming off a tough first half of a double-header weekend, is the perfect opportunity for this Flyers team to strike. Not to mention that if Atlanta wins in their game against Austin, the Flyers will need it badly to keep up with the rest of the division. The Sol have the big rangy defenders to keep up with the Flyers’ deep game, and have one of the best offenses in the league. This will be a big test for this new and improved Carolina defense to see if they keep up.
This game, this weekend, has massive ramifications for the South Division and for the Flyers’ season. Don’t miss it.
