Carter Hart and the Philadelphia Flyers made their official return to meaningful hockey today. Their first challenge was the league-best Boston Bruins in game one of the Eastern Conference round-robin. The Flyers were victorious in their exhibition game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, which secured momentum heading into the round-robin. Boston did not share the same fortune, losing to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Would these two trends continue?
An exhibition game allowed players new to the postseason to shake off some rust. This unique playoff format proved to be a blessing [in terms of] playoff experience for Carter Hart as he had the opportunity to enter into meaningful hockey already warmed up.