The Flyers End The Preseason on A High Note
The preseason has come to an end and the Philadelphia Flyers ended it on a high note. What was a very close look at the Flyers opening night roster against an AHL caliber Islanders lineup, they did exactly what they were expected to do. The Flyers controlled just about the entire game and were able to come out with a 5-2 win to cap off their preseason. They finish the preseason with a 3-2-1 record in the six games. Not sure many people thought that was going to happen after that rough outing in the first game against the Devils.
After giving up the first goal of the game on a bad bounce over Travis Sanheim’s stick that led to a breakaway the Flyers responded. The 4th line of Nick Deslauriers, Ryan Poehling, and Garnet Hathaway was buzzing all night and Deslauriers was able to bury the tying goal. It was all Flyers after that as just over a minute later Noah Cates would give the Flyers a 2-1 lead after getting a great pass from Travis Konecny.
Eight minutes into the second period it would be Owen Tippett following up on his own rebound to bury one and extend the Flyers lead to 3-1. Ten minutes later the powerplay would get their chance to show off their new and hopefully much improved look. It was a 5 on 3 and the Flyers showed a lot of patience and Travis Konecny was able to find the back of the net to give the Flyers a 4-1 lead heading to the third period.
The Islanders would get one back just about six minutes into the third period to cut the lead to 4-2. But, the Flyers once again would respond which is something they didn’t do much of last season. Cam Atkinson would get a pass from Morgan Frost and would bury his first of the preseason to give the Flyers the 5-2 lead that would end up being the final score.
Brink/Foerster
The roster battle that has captivated Flyers fans over the last week plus. Bobby Brink and Tyson Foerster, who is going to make the team. Well, if last night was any indication it would appear that Foerster still has the edge over Brink. Now, Brink not being in the lineup could also just have been because he had played in all but one of the preseason games up until that point. Torts did state in his press conference yesterday morning before the game that it was to give him the night off. Now, that could be true but we will still have to wait and find out when the final roster is due come Monday.
Surely, Foerster’s performance during the end of last season is playing a factor into this decision. Foerster showed that he can play and produce at the NHL level even if it was a small sample size. He also did not have a bad camp at all, sure he didn’t come in and light the place up but he was solid.
As for Brink he has come in and played his tail off over the course of this camp. Sure in the first game against the Devils he didn’t look great but nobody did. After that it really was in the scheme of things just a very great week for Bobby Brink. A goal and two assist in the four games he played in and in at least two of those games he was all over the ice and making his presence known. Is that enough for him to make the team?
Now, there is the case for both of them to be on the roster come opening night. However, that would mean breaking up the 4th line most likely. Which yeah sure in the big picture that doesn’t seem like a big deal and it’s pretty easy to do as you would sit Deslauriers move Laughton down to the 4th line and play both Brink and Foerster. I just don’t know that Torts wants to do that. Plus, those guys on the 4th line have played very well together and seem to have some instant chemistry. I get it where fans want them to play the kids, the team is in a rebuild so I do think it makes the most sense for both of these guys to make the team. This is a good problem for the Flyers to have as it may finally be the time we have prospects knocking on the door to push the guys in front of them.
Carter Hart
Last night Carter Hart played the entire game against the Islanders and he looked very solid. Granted he wasn’t facing the top talent of the Islanders but the important thing is he looked like the Carter Hart we’re expecting to be our franchise goaltender. The first goal was a breakaway off a bad bounce and the second goal was partially his fault as he came out of his net to play the puck and turned it over. Other than those two he was steady as can be and looked ready for the regular season. We would like to see him not play the puck behind his net as much because we have seen before, like last night where he gets himself into some trouble. Better to get that stuff out of the way last night rather then next week when the games count. Hart and Ersson should be a solid one-two punch for the Flyers in net this season.
Defense
The Flyers defense is shaping up to be younger this season as Egor Zamula and Emil Andrae have both made their cases to make this team during camp. While last night’s lineup saw a bulk of the veterans in there, I beleive that was more to just get one last look at who will be here and who won’t be. Also, some of them hadn’t played much so Torts wanted to give them some action. Originally Andrae was not in the lineup but Ristolainen was a little nicked up and they decided to sit him to be safe. In my opinion I think the odd man out is going to be Sean Walker. He would have to clear waivers but I don’t see anyone picking up his contract. Torts loves Nick Seeler and has already said that Staal is on the team but won’t play every night.
Zamula got the chance at the start of last season to start with the team but didn’t play all that well. Hopefully, this time he will take advantage of the opportunity and stay up here the entire season. Torts has praised Andrae a few times during camp stating how even after he makes a mistake he isn’t afraid to go out and try and make a play afterwards. Torts says that’s the important thing when the young guys make a mistake to not be afraid and play a different way.
It’ll be interesting to see what the final defensive pairs are come opening night and who ends up being the odd man out.
The Flyers open their season next Thursday against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
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-Walsh