Photo Credit: Our very own Rob Windfelder
Denver Barkey looked solid when shifted to Center in Game 1 against the Carolina Hurricanes.
The Flyers were down big in their Eastern Conference Second Round opener against the Hurricanes (a 3-0 loss on May 2, 2026), but Barkey was one of the brighter spots. Flyers’ Head coach Rick Tocchet even called him the team’s best player on the ice that night.
Context on Barkey in Game 1:
- He’s naturally a Left Winger but moved to Center midway through the game.
- The Flyers plan to use him at Center again for Game 2.
- He’s been making an impact in the playoffs despite his smaller size — undersized but quick, smart, and effective in key moments.
- Earlier in the Post-Season (e.g., vs. Pittsburgh), he notched points including a goal.
Barkey’s a young guy (drafted in 2023) who’s stepped up nicely for Philly this year. The shift to Center seems to be working for them in terms of matchup flexibility.
What did you like most about his game — faceoffs, skating, or something else?
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