The 2018-19 season was a down year for almost everybody, including Ivan Provorov. Provorov has always been a surefire number one defenseman for the Flyers ever since he’s entered the league, but last year for the first time there was a small creeping doubt amongst the fanbase that maybe his ceiling isn’t as high as we thought it was…

Well, that was wrong. Provorov put together a season this year that showed he is the elite number one defenseman we all thought he was, and this was proved through an eye test, statistics, establishing himself on the powerplay, and having a more sound defensive partner.

Eye Test

Provorov has always been a sound player, I mean his career average TOI is 24 minutes a game. In his first year in Alain Vigneault’s system, however, he looks dominant. His defensive zone breakouts and stick control look much improved, we rarely see those defensive zone giveaways anymore. On the offensive side he looks the most confident we’ve ever seen him, taking more chances than ever before. One of these chances potentially being the team’s goal of the year.

Ivan Provorov called game. Decent goal. pic.twitter.com/0PtbtTSPMh

— Spittin’ Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) November 30, 2019

Statistics

2018-19: 82 GP, 7G, 19A, 26P, -16.

2019-20: 69 GP, 13G, 23A, 36P, 11.

Just off of those base statistics alone you can see how much he’s bounced back this year. In thirteen less games, he scored 6 more goals, 4 more assists, 10 more points, and improved his +/- by +27. Pretty noticeable.

The advanced possession analytics show a boost as well, if that’s your cup of tea.

2018-19 ADV: 47.5 CF%, -2.0 relative. 48.1 FF%, -1.7 relative.

2019-20 ADV: 52.4 CF%, 1.6 relative. 52.3 FF%, 1.7 relative.

Powerplay

Before this season it was the general consensus that Provorov was not a PP1 defenseman, well that was another doubt that was proven wrong. Taking over for Shayne Gostisbehere on the first powerplay unit, Ivan Provorov showed he belonged and deserved to be kept at that spot posting 7 goals and 9 assists. His chemistry with the players on that unit flow quite well. Kudos to Michel Therrien and Provorov for making that pleasant surprise work.

ICEBREAKER!

It’s Ivan Provorov. The @NHLFlyers are on the board.

Presented by: @NewAmsterdam pic.twitter.com/fB2bMtfXp4

— NHL on NBC (@NHLonNBCSports) October 10, 2019

Defensive Partner

A big part of Provorov’s bounce back season is Steady Eddie, Matt Niskanen. Niskanen was a gamble move by Chuck Fletcher this last offseason that paid off huge. His play is calm and steady with a bit of finesse, and it allows Provorov to take more risks. Playing with Niskanen has appeared to give Provorov more confidence to join up in the rush, playing a huge role in his incredible offensive season. That’s what veteran presence looks like.

Posting this Provorov goal because I still love the sound of the puck hitting the back of the net pic.twitter.com/nxX74BfgwA

— Brandon Murphy (@2Murphy8) March 27, 2020

The Philadelphia Flyers take on the Pittsburgh Penguins for an exhibition game on July 28th, and it’s going to be fun to watch Ivan Provorov’s amazing season continue. Suddenly that contract looks outstanding.

Big shot. Bigger celly.

Ivan Provorov coming up huge for the @NHLFlyers today. pic.twitter.com/vBUblUXVmn

— NHL (@NHL) December 7, 2019