Kyle Phillippi
This offseason has felt even longer than most for the Philadelphia Flyers. That’s because there was a lot going on in terms of hiring a new head coach with a completely different system and the wealth of young talent that garnered much offseason hype.
Opening night is upon us, though, so it’s time to put aside all of those concerns from the summer months and likewise, the over-hyped expectations. Nothing matters now. There’s meaningful hockey to be played the rest of the way and ultimately, it’s the best team that wins, not who won the offseason or which team played the best in the preseason.
Let’s look at some things to consider before you all tune into the regular-season opener:
New system calls for up-tempo play
First-year head coach Dave Hakstol is all about speed. He wants his guys attacking the defensemen on the puck, having his own blue-liners getting involved in odd-man rushes and more aggressive two-way play from every player. That type of system will naturally make the games more exciting to watch and the team more competitive. Sure, they make over-extend themselves here and there, but if it goes accordingly to plan, the Flyers will create more scoring opportunities from the up-tempo approach.
Some things you’ll notice that may be a little different from seasons past is:
- More emphasis on forechecking; attacking the puck-handler in their own zone to create turnovers.
- Philadelphia defenseman jump-starting rushes from their own end.
- Guys like Mark Streit, Michael Del Zotto and Evgeny Medvedev pinching along the boards in the offensive end to keep the puck in the zone.
- No more dump-and-chase; there will be more rushes into the zone.
- The team will be better conditioned thanks to Hakstol’s intense practices.
Familiar faces
It may be a new season with a new head coach, but for the most players, the team you saw last year will be the team you see again from a personnel standpoint. The top line of Michael Raffl-Claude Giroux-Jake Voracek is in tact with the remaining three lines comprised of players who all wore orange and black last season except one player: Scott Laughton, who will center the third line.
The most new faces you’ll see are on defense: Evgeny Medvedev and Brandon Manning. These two players will be on the 2nd and 3rd defensive pairings with each guy bringing a little something different to the table than their predecessors of Nicholas Grossman and Andrew MacDonald. Both guys are offensive-minded, except Manning has really developed his two-way game this offseason so look for him to be a little more defensive-minded playing alongside the skilled Michael Del Zotto.
As always, Steve Mason will be manning the net. He’ll continue to be one of the top goaltenders in the league.
Last chance for some guys
You’ll notice the healthy scratches include players like Vinny Lecavalier and Sam Gagner. These are two guys who could very well be running out of opportunities. Lecavalier is more so the concern here as he appears to be a far cry from what the team expected when they signed him two offseasons ago. As for Gagner, he’s more likely of the two to contribute this season once he finally cracks his way into the lineup. The problem with him in his underachieving career is his two-way play — something Hakstol preaches — and his play away from the puck. He can put up points; that’s never been a question for him. Ultimately, that will be why he gets on one of the top three lines within the first week or two.
As for the other guys with a lot to prove are Brayden Schenn, Luke Schenn and Matt Read. This isn’t last chances in their career, just in Philadelphia. All three guys could be moved at the deadline or next offseason if they fail to impress. Both Schenn’s had their names in trade rumors all offseason. If they don’t come out with a fire under them, then something really is wrong. Read had a down year last season and with younger guys knocking on the door, he’s looking more and more like he could be on his way out.
As for R.J. Umberger, injuries took a toll on him last year. He’s looked healthier this camp, but if he doesn’t up points and his goal-less streak continues, he could be the one that Gagner replaces in the lineup.