Larry Henry Jr
Scott Laughton has always played an important role for the Philadelphia Flyers during his time in the NHL, whether it’s coming up with key goals, defensive plays, or blocked shots. Tuesday was the latest example of Laughton’s presence within the team, as he continued his current point streak and helped the Orange and Black claim a second-straight win before the All-Star Break.
Laughton assisted on James van Riemsdyk’s winner on Tuesday night, helping the Flyers defeat the Winnipeg Jets 3-1 at the Wells Fargo Center. The veteran forward now has points in three-straight games and seven of his last nine overall, playing on whatever line head coach Mike Yeo asks him to play on.
With the team needing a continued surge up the table for a chance at postseason play, Laughton will be one of the leaders for the Flyers to rely on.
“Laughts is a warrior,” Yeo said. “He’s a battler. We put him in every position. One of the things that I like about Laughts is he’s selfless, you see him blocking that shot at the end of the game, the game’s probably out of reach at that point but he’s still laying down to block that shot. Saw a similar play, with G right at the very end.
“But Laughts, there’s been lots of opportunities, lots of guys that have been getting looks on the power play, and we need him in so many other areas and he doesn’t flinch,” Yeo added. “He just goes out and plays for the team night after night. Obviously a big part of why he’s got a letter on his jersey right now.”
Laughton is in his seventh full season with the Flyers after being a first round draft pick by the team in 2012. Since then, he’s registered 60 goals and 84 assists in 414 games played, delivering consistent performances throughout his time in the NHL.
Not only does Laughton register points, he plays special teams, and isn’t afraid to back down from a challenge. Normally you can find him delivering a big check or standing up for a teammate, showing once again his all-around presence on the ice.
The Flyers will need more of that going forward, not only from Laughton, but from every player on the roster if it wants to avoid another campaign without playoff hockey. The team has put its 13-game losing streak behind them for now and is focused on moving into the playoff conversation with half of the regular season schedule left to play
“I think so,” Laughton said when asked if team is moving one day at a time. “It sucks going into the break with that momentum. At the same time, we can get away from the game, clear our head, come back refreshed, and try to keep it rolling. I think guys have been doing a great job of sticking together. No one’s pointing fingers in our room. Everyone’s been doing a good job. So we’ll continue doing that and try to dig ourselves out of this hole.”
The Flyers are now off until February 9 when they host the Detroit Red Wings.
You can follow Larry Henry on Twitter (@lhenry019) and e-mail him at [email protected].
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