Date Published: 1-20-2023

Photo Credit: Sahylah Rice

On Tuesday night, the Philadelphia Flyers hosted their Pride Night. In an effort towards this initiative, the Flyers wore Pride jerseys and used rainbow Pride tape. This was the Flyers’ first Pride Night where they wore Pride jerseys, in prior Pride Nights the Flyers only used Pride tape and even that was optional.

Many fans were encouraged by this step by the Flyers towards LGBTQ+ inclusivity in the NHL. However, defenseman Ivan Provorov’s comments on why he sat out during warm-ups left some in disbelief. Provorov stated religious reasons as to why he refused to dress in the Pride jersey and partake in warm-ups. Sometimes the slogan ‘hockey is for everyone’ feels empty at times to some fans. 

“Hockey is for Everyone should not be an ‘umbrella initiative’ where players need to do it because they have to,” Sam Prevot said. “There should be more acknowledgment of queer and minority folks than just a theme night once a year.” 

Prevot also said that teams should do community events, make donations to relevant charities, and show their fans that they actually care. This sentiment has been repeated by multiple members of the LGBTQ+ community. Many feel that Pride nights have felt largely performative. 

Beth (Twitter user @hiverhunt) said, “LGBTQ+ fans should be spotlighted, especially during Pride celebrations. There are so many of us who love the sport and just want to have fun with it.” 

NHL players are looked up to as role models by fans from all walks of life. When events like this happen in the hockey world, it shines an even harsher spotlight on how much people look to them for example. 

“There are queer hockey players, out or not, who need advocates in their straight, cis-gender teammates. Queer fans and players are the ones being discriminated against, yet we’re the ones sticking up for ourselves,” Em (Twitter user @emfr0mneptune) said. “We face the vitriol, while others stay silent and watch as it happens. I want the culture to change.” 

Fans aren’t calling for a complete overhaul of the NHL, they’re asking to be respected. 

“Overall I just want to see more empathy from players and the league, and more engagement with LGBTQ+ organizations, fans, and young players beyond one night of wearing pride jerseys for warmups,” Amanda (Twitter user @Mandae_Bell) said. 

The work that Philadelphia Flyers, James van Riemsdyk, and Scott Laughton have been doing with the LGBTQ+ community, striving for inclusivity in the NHL, is what fans want to see from other players. JVR and Laughton have partnered with multiple nonprofits and have been hosting members of the LGBTQ+ community at every Flyers home game this season. 

“[The NHL] doing more for each team’s respective local LGBTQ+ community, as well as doing more to support queer athletes, in general, would do so much, to not only grow the sport but support the queer fans the league already has,” Jo Dabney said. “Scott Laughton, as well as both Trevor and James van Riemsdyk all do amazing with their respective local communities, and supporting them and their charities would help so much.” 

Laughton and van Riemsdyk have gotten attention in Philadelphia, but not as much national recognition for the work they’ve done for their LGBTQ+ fans.

Former Flyers organization member, Kurtis Gabriel, is a name that comes to mind for a lot of fans, too. Gabriel has been very outspoken on social media about his support as an ally to the LGBTQ+ community. 

“Kurtis Gabriel is another great example. He’s shown an active and consistent effort to learn,” Jay Neemeyer said. 

LGBTQ+ fans want to see support. Vincenza Bellentti said, “At the end of the day, queer fans won’t feel truly welcome and safe in the sport when intolerant comments continue to occur on pride posts year after year.” 

It is important to lift up the voices of those who are marginalized. If you would like to learn more about the LGBTQ+ community, please visit thetrevorproject.org.  

The Flyers need a core veteran defenseman on their team. And in order to get there, Shayne Gostisbehere shouldn’t have to be the one up for trading. Neither should Samuel Morin.

Gostisbehere tends to be the go-to trade bait that people talk about, but what if he weren’t?

While Gostisbehere may not be the same Gostisbehere that he was in the 2015-16 season, he’s still doing his job as a two-way defenseman. He isn’t a forward, which is what some people tend to forget. Production isn’t the number one concern for Gostisbehere, but it’s a great bonus. 

Right now, Gostisbehere has eight goals and seven assists in 30 games played as a defenseman. He’s 10th on the team leading in points, and he’s played fewer games than most of the team. 

Gostisbehere hasn’t had the best consistency in the way he plays, but he’s not a huge liability that some people make him out to be. He’s more of an asset to the team than a hinderance right now. 

Morin has been in talks of trades, as well. Morin has overcome so much in his career and he’s just getting his first shot in the NHL. There’s no reason Chuck Fletcher should trade him right now. The Flyers have barely gotten a taste of what Morin can do. 

It’s even more frustrating knowing that Morin’s position was changed at the beginning of the season to a forward instead of defenseman. This has impeded the Flyers from seeing what he really plays like and what he can offer. 

A 6’7 Morin brings physicality to the table that not many others have been bringing this season. He isn’t just a big body, either. However, Flyers fans have only seen him in 13 games this season. Between the Flyers benching him and Gostisbehere, it’s hard to imagine they’ll both stay after the trade deadline. 

The Flyers need a veteran defenseman as the defense has been inconsistent throughout the season. In order to get there, however, the Flyers should look elsewhere on the team. Two of their most promising defenseman at the moment should not be trade bait. They should be the guys that stay as the beginnings of a solid D-core.

The Flyers played the New York Islanders in a back-to-back on Saturday and Sunday, and it just so happens they won both games in overtime.

On Saturday, while Philippe Myers was back in the lineup and Samuel Morin made his season debut, Travis Konecny was a healthy scratch. 

Myers’ injury couldn’t get any worse, according to trainers, so Myers was back in the lineup. Konecny, the teams leading goal scorer, sat out.

Head coach Alain Vigneault was sending a message to Konecny and the team saying , “This is a good time for him to get a reset.”

On Sunday night, Konecny was back in the lineup. 

The Flyers had Carter Hart in net for Saturday’s game and Brian Elliott in net for the Sunday’s game. 

They were heavily outshot throughout the first game, with the final shots on goal total being 28 Islanders, 17 Flyers. Hart made 26 saves. In the second game, the Flyers were also outshot, this time 36 to 29.

In the first period of Saturday’s game, the Flyers scored two goals. Those would be the only two goals that the team had until overtime. The goal scorers for the Flyers were Jake Voracek and Kevin Hayes. Scott Laughton scored the game-winning goal in overtime. 

The Flyers let up two goals on Saturday during the second period but held the Islanders scoreless in the first and third periods. However, they were scoreless themselves in the second and third periods. 

The Islanders mixed up their lines and brought in three new forwards going into the Sunday night game. The Flyers also had a couple of lineup changes. Konecny was back in and Morin was out, as well as, defenseman Erik Gustafsson was out and Robert Hägg was in. 

Sunday night, the refs seemed to be whistle-happy and called a lot of penalties. In the whole series, the penalties were 10 to 5 Islanders.  

Flyers forward, Joel Farabee, had his first hat trick in the Sunday night game, getting the Flyers first three goals. 

The Flyers were doing a good job in this second game on the forecheck and working defensively, but Eliott also made some insane saves which helped the Flyers out a lot. 

Unfortunately, the powerplay both nights wasn’t great in this particular back to back, and it was almost reminiscent of the playoffs powerplay this past season. They looked better than that, at least, generating some chances this time. But nothing was going in for them on the man advantage. 

However, the Flyers did manage to pot one during the man-advantage and it was when it really counted, during the overtime session in Sunday’s game. Kevin Hayes scored the overtime game-winning goal in the second game on a powerplay for the Flyers. 

Overall, the Flyers started out strong in both games, but let up halfway through and in the third, which led to them going into overtime. However, they were able to come back and win it both nights in overtime. Hart and Elliott also came up huge for the team in both games. 

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The Flyers started their season off against the Pittsburgh Penguins, and what a way to start. After the first game, head coach Alain Vigneault didn’t make any lineup changes, as the team seemed pretty solid.

In the first game on Wednesday, the Flyers beat the Penguins 6-3. The Flyers also won the second game on Friday, 5-2. 

The depth this team has was exemplified throughout both games against the Penguins. In the game on Wednesday, all four of the Flyers’ lines scored. In fact, in the first game on Wednesday, every single forward registered at least one point except for Jake Voracek. However, that didn’t last long as Voracek had an assist on Travis Konecny’s first goal of the second game.

Joel Farabee had a four-point night on Wednesday, which was amazing. He’s put on about 10 pounds of muscle since the off-season and it’s seemingly making a difference already. Before this, Farabee hadn’t had more than a two-point night in the NHL and then Wednesday he had a four-point night. 

In the Friday game, the Flyers didn’t have a shot on goal until over seven minutes in. But soon after, Konecny got two goals in a row for the Flyers. And that didn’t stop the scoring for Konecny, he ended up getting a hat trick by the end of the night! This was his first career hat trick.

Of course, the story of the first night was in both of their regular season comebacks, both Oskar Lindblom and Nolan Patrick scored goals. These goals weren’t show-offy goals, they were both somewhat of a redirect, but were amazing to see nonetheless. 

Patrick got back on the board in the second game with an assist on one of the Konecny goals. He looked fast and was making smart puck moves, Flyers fans should be excited about Patrick’s return. And in the Friday game, Lindblom scored the empty netter.

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The forwards aren’t the only thing to focus on, either. The defense, including new guy Erik Gustafsson, showed up. Overall, the new defensive pairings looked good together, warranting no changes between the first and second game against the Penguins. And Ivan Provorov sure does look good with that home A on his jersey.

In the second game, the defense got a little lax in comparison to the first, but Hart was there to bail them out most of the time.

Hart looked great in the season opener. He had one blip which led to the Sidney Crosby goal, however, he bounced back great and held strong for the rest of the game. During the Friday game, he looked just as strong as the Wednesday game. When Hart said he wanted to be one of the best in the league, he meant it. It seems that he’s working actively towards that already. 

Hart made some insane saves, a few sliding across the crease to make a tight save that kept the Flyers. And some saves that just didn’t seem possible, but he made them. He’s in midseason form already. 

The second game was more of a Flyers-Penguins match up with more after whistle action and considerably more penalties taken by each team. However, the game still ended SCORE 

The Penguins had some goaltending issues, as Tristan Jarry didn’t play well in the season opener and was pulled partway through the first period after letting three goals in. Those Penguin issues plus the Flyers’ determination and depth created a great concoction for two Flyers’ wins! 

USA Captain Cam York has a nice ring to it.

York was not overlooked or overshadowed during the preliminary round of WJC 2021, he showed up to every game as a two-way Defenseman. 

In game one against Russia, he was named player of the game for the US, even though he was a -2. This is really a testament to the two-way game he played and how he played a full 60 minutes. It also is a testament to his leadership abilities on the ice, as well. York also tied the game in game one. USA ultimately lost to Russia, 5-3. 

USA played Austria in game two, where they blew Austria out of the water and won 11-0. York tallied one assist in this game and the power play, which York was on the top unit for, was 2-for-3. 

York had three assists in game three against Czech Republic, which was insane. When you look at the final score of this game, though, it is a bit more understandable as the US won 7-0. But still, three points is huge. 

In the final prelim game against Sweden, USA won 4-0. York was a bit quieter, but didn’t do anything negative.

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York showed up for the prelims as a solid two-way defenseman as well as a good leader both on and off the ice. There’s a lot to be excited about with Cam York. 

The USA will play Slovakia on Saturday in the quarter finals, as they finished as the top seed last night after beating Sweden 4-0.  

Flyers’ prospect Cam York was given the ‘C’ for Team USA’s exhibition game against Finland last night. It isn’t the official leadership group for the tournament, but it’s a promising sign on York’s part and what the coaching staff must think of him so far in the training process for the World Juniors. 

York is a defenseman who was drafted 14th overall in the 2019 NHL draft by the Philadelphia Flyers. Currently he plays for University of Michigan in the Big 10 Conference. 

York was on the top defensive pairing for team USA, his partner being Henry Thurn, an Anaheim Ducks prospect. 

In the first period of the Finland game, there were a couple of penalties against Finland, giving team USA multiple power play opportunities. This happened a couple of times throughout the game, where Finland took a couple of careless penalities. However, this gave the USA power play some practice, and it just so happens York Quarterbacked the top power play unit. York seemed composed and steady with the puck, firing from the point when necessary. 

York’s partner at the point on the power play was Trevor Zegras, who is also an Anaheim Ducks prospect. The two together were strong and that power play unit will be dangerous for other teams in the later rounds of this tournament. 

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Team USA was able to hold onto to the game and ended up winning 3-2 thanks to two goals by Cole Caulfield. The next game to watch York in will be Christmas Day when USA plays Russia. 

After a lackluster WJC last year, where USA finished in sixth place, the team seems to be turning the tide. One thing is for certain Flyers fans, York is going to be one to watch in this tournament. 

Flyers’ prospect Cam York was given the ‘C’ for Team USA’s exhibition game against Finland last night. It isn’t the official leadership group for the tournament, but it’s a promising sign on York’s part and what the coaching staff must think of him so far in the training process for the World Juniors. 

York is a defenseman who was drafted 14th overall in the 2019 NHL draft by the Philadelphia Flyers. Currently he plays for University of Michigan in the Big 10 Conference. 

York was on the top defensive pairing for team USA, his partner being Henry Thurn, an Anaheim Ducks prospect. 

In the first period of the Finland game, there were a couple of penalties against Finland, giving team USA multiple power play opportunities. This happened a couple of times throughout the game, where Finland took a couple of careless penalities. However, this gave the USA power play some practice, and it just so happens York Quarterbacked the top power play unit. York seemed composed and steady with the puck, firing from the point when necessary. 

York’s partner at the point on the power play was Trevor Zegras, who is also an Anaheim Ducks prospect. The two together were strong and that power play unit will be dangerous for other teams in the later rounds of this tournament. 

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Team USA was able to hold onto to the game and ended up winning 3-2 thanks to two goals by Cole Caulfield. The next game to watch York in will be Christmas Day when USA plays Russia. 

After a lackluster WJC last year, where USA finished in sixth place, the team seems to be turning the tide. One thing is for certain Flyers fans, York is going to be one to watch in this tournament. 

Last night concluded the 2020 NHL Draft. Chuck Fletcher and the Flyers got some really good picks out of it, including making a trade with Tampa — picks for picks. The trade was the Flyers 116th and 147th picks for Tampa’s 94th overall pick. By trading higher, the Flyers were able to draft a Right-Winger in Zayde Wisdom. 

The Flyers traded up with the purposes of drafting Wisdom. When asked about how it felt to know a team wanted him that much, Wisdom said:

“It definitely means a lot for an organization like that to trade up and pick me up in a spot like that.”- Zayde Wisdom 

Zayde Wisdom said to Flyers media

Wisdom’s drive is something that is unrelenting, which is something that Flyers fans love to see. This season alone, Wisdom had 29 goals and 30 assists combining for 59 points with the Kingston Frontenacs.

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He has developed a special connection to former Flyer, Wayne Simmonds. Wisdom played in Simmonds’ ball hockey tournaments in Toronto during the summers, and from there they developed a mentorship relationship. 

The relationship between Simmonds and Wisdom has helped him a lot, both on and off the ice, “Having a guy like that in your corner where he’s giving you advice and letting you know what your best decision would be and advising you helps a ton,” Wisdom said. 

Wisdom also said that he would call Simmonds after the draft, ready to hear his advice and stories from his time in Philly. Simmonds even tweeted about Wisdom last night saying that Flyers fans will have a new favorite in Wisdom. 

Another fun fact about Wisdom is that he and the Flyers 23rd overall pick in the 2020 draft, Tyson Foerester have known each other since they were about 5 or 6 years old. The potential of these two playing together in the NHL could be really exciting. 

The drive is there for Wisdom, and Flyers fans have much to look forward to. No matter where he went in the draft, to whichever team he ended up, Wisdom is determined to make a name for himself in the NHL. 

“I’m looking for a spot and I won’t let anybody stop me.”- Zayde Wisdom

It’s not a secret to anyone watching these past three Flyers games that the second line has been clicking. The line is made up of Scott Laughton and Travis Konecny centered by Kevin Hayes. Their chemistry on the ice during the regular season was impeccable, and it seems like the trio has picked up where they left off. 

In the game against the Washington Capitals, the second line contributed to all three of the goals the Flyers had, and Laughton had two of the three goals the Flyers scored. 

The first Laughton goal was from a no-look, behind the back pass from Konecny. It seemed as if Konecny knew exactly where Laughton was going to be on the ice. Holtby had no chance of making the save. 

“I think offensively and defensively tonight, this was their best night.  Good on the forecheck, which created some real good looks and we were able to capitalize,” Head Coach Alain Vigneault said after the Capitals game. 

The chemistry between these three on the ice is so prevalent, despite the break.

“We had a really good training camp in Philly,” Laughton said. “I think the guys are confident in each other.” 

Another factor of this line is the defensive aspect. They’re producing offensively, but they’re also being more responsible defensively and protecting the puck.

Hayes said, “Since we got back from quarantine, we’ve talked about playing with each other and playing the right way defensively.” 

Konecny had two assists in the game against the Capitals, however, his game still isn’t where it was earlier in the season. He had some good moments on the ice, especially with that assist on the Laughton goal. However, Vigneault said he wants to see Konecny’s game taken to another level and there’s definitely more room to do that in the upcoming games. 

Flyers News/Lines and Pairings tomorrow:

Voracek will not play tomorrow, and this was not a coaches decision, per AV. In his place Farabee has been promoted to the top line.

G, Coots, Farabee
Laughton, Hayes, TK
JVR, Grant, NAK
Bunny, Thompson, Pitlick

Provy, Nisky
Sanheim, Myers
Ghost, Braun

Hart

Ghost will play on PP1 tomorrow, and Vigneault hinted at therapy possibly playing on the top power-play unit.

The Flyers will take on the Boston Bruins today in their first game of the round robin tournament. 

The Flyers played the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday where they won 3-2. The pace of their game seemed pretty consistent and fast, especially given the break. 

Something positive to focus on from the exhibition game for the Flyers was their Penalty Kill. Kevin Hayes was at it again killing the penalty so efficiently. If that sample size is indicative of how the rest of the playoffs will go, fans should be excited. However, Special Teams are more than just the Penalty Kill. The Flyers will need to work on getting their power play going now, too. 

“Our penalty killing against one of the better teams in the NHL was very effective. It’s a start. We talked today to our group about the need to get better,” Flyers Head Coach Alain Vigneault said after the Penguins game on Tuesday. 

Vigneault isn’t worried about his teams Power Play either. After practice on Friday he said, “Our PP was one of the best in the league best in the league before the halt of play.”

Special Teams are super important in the playoffs and can really make or break a team, so it’s something the Flyers need to get rolling pretty fast now that hockey is starting back up and the games are going to count.

The Bruins played their exhibition game on Thursday night against the Columbus Blue Jackets and lost 4-1. The Bruins starting Goaltender, Tuukka Rask, didn’t look too sharp in the period and a half he played, letting in three goals. The goalies switched halfway through the game, which was to be expected, and Halak had a much better showing, only allowing one goal. Rask is coming off an injured finger, so he didn’t have as much time to practice at training camp. But regardless of everything, Rask might be in net for the Bruins against the Flyers (If he recovers from an illness that is not Covid-19 related). 

Forward Brad Marchand left the exhibition game early, but should be good to go said Bruce Cassidy, “Brad Marchand was on the ice for full practice he should be good to go tomorrow.”

In the net for the Flyers against the Bruins will be Carter Hart. Hart has had success against the Bruins throughout this past season, winning two out of the three games they played against each other this past season. 

The Flyers lines and D pairings for the game are as follows:

Giroux-Couturier-Voracek

Laughton-Hayes-Konecny

JVR-Grant-NAK

Raffl-Thompson-Pitlick

Provorov, Niskanen

Sanheim, Myers

Hagg, Braun

Hart