Another practice, and woolah day 3 of training camp is in the books, just like that. Alain Vigneault mixed the lines and defensive pairings once again. Would Claude Giroux, Kevin Hayes, Joel Farabee, and Jake Voracek??? Yes they did in a big way!!!
This year’s group is a lot different than the 2019-20 playoff team because of the fresh new blood trying to make an imprint at camp (Wade Allison, Wyatte Wylie, Zayde Wisdom). Secondly, this camp feels different with Morgan Frost, Mark Friedman, Carsen Twarynski, and Connor Bunnaman chomping at the bit to make the big club. In the end they may see time on the Taxi Squad (4-6 players travel and practice with the team in case an injury or Covid case arises).
Before we start the diaries section, I just want to mention that Claude Giroux looks more determined than ever. His shot was powerful, and for the most part really accurate today. Giroux said last week that last season left a bad taste in his mouth, well he is showing it did. He has had a great camp, and Giroux was flying today:
Hayes looks dialed in and just really tough to move off the puck. He is one of the best penalty killers in the league, as he uses his long strides and active stick to his advantage, as he strips players to lead the rush up the ice into the offensive zone. Hayes is very good at creating turnovers, and just being in the right spots using his big frame to his advantage.
Farabee and Voracek have had good camps thus far. Not much has been written on Jake, but he appears to be ready to go. Jake was on pace for his fourth straight 60+ point season before the Coronavirus halted the season. Jake finished with 56 points with 13 games remaining in the 2019-20 season. He carries the puck well up the ice, and is very difficult to move off the puck. Especially when he lowers his head close to his body. This line with JvR, and Patrick could work in a sense that both Voracek and Patrick can drive the play, while feeding the goods to JvR.
Oh yea Farabee sealed the victory for his team with an ENG (Empty Net Goal) 4-2.
Phil Myers
Myers had a a great scrimmage defensively. It was tough to enter the zone, his gap control was very good today. Myers and Travis Sanheim were back together as a pairing, and maybe that he made him more comfortable.
Morin gets Physical
Morin slashed Yegor Zamula in the scrimmage and threw his weight around pretty well along the boards. He said yesterday that he watches clips of Matt Martin before he goes to bed, well they seem to be paying off.
Big Sam also hit Nolan Patrick. Pause!!! Do not worry folks Patrick is fine, and did not miss a shift, and it appears he passes his first test of being hit.
Lindblom Scores
The line of Lindblom, Sean Couturier, and Travis Konecny were reunited once again. This line was very successful before Lindblom’s unfortunate diagnosis, in which December 7, 2019 was his last Regular Season game played. They accounted for 68 points combined between that span.
Lindblom blasted a puck from the left circle past Carter Hart. He got all of it, and Hart had no chance. This is great to see, and Lindblom had a lot of pep to his step today. He just looks more confident now.
Linus Sandin
Sandin is hoping to impress with an abbreviated camp due to the Coronavirus. Well, today he took a big step in the right direction after he potted a goal in the scrimmage off a nice feed from JvR. Good for Sandin as was in the right spot for the puck. These are some things that stand out to Head Coach Alain Vigneault.
Training Camp Diaries Day 3
Alain Vigneault Presser:
“Expectations are high, let’s not kid ourselves. We have a Stanley Cup contending team.”
AV said the D pairings and lines will be shifted on the next on ice day which is Friday. He put these lines and pairings together today because they had a history together, so he wanted to see if there was chemistry.
Brian Elliott Presser:
“We’re behind him.”- Elliott on Nolan Patrick
“First priority was to be here. My family likes it here and have a good situation here.”
Morgan Frost Presser:
“I don’t think I have done anything too spectacular (in camp) but I have been focusing on small details, being a more 200-foot player.”
Jake Voracek:
Jake when asked what he was able to back home this offseason:
“Fucking nothing.” Jake is the best and I never want him to leave the Flyers…he’s the best interviewer.
The Flyers are not on the ice tomorrow Flyers fans
