Date Published: 1-1-2022
Photo Credit: Jill Rice
One Flyer who’s game has grown the most from a new change of scenery, and under John Tortorella is Owen Tippett. Even so much so, he has netted a career high in points with 20 (12g,8a), and four Power Play Goals on the year. His previous career high was 18 points and two Power Play goals both of which were in the 2020-21 season. One can sense he is infused with confidence, and some can see the potential that made him a first round pick in the first place.
It’s great to see Tippett finding his groove in the NHL. He’s always had the talent, now he has the tools. Tippett proved it with that snipe for his sixth goal of the year in just 13 games played:
“I’m getting used to the style of the game that’s kind of expected. It allows me to play freely and chances like that open up.”
Torts has unlocked Tippett’s skill
The one part of Tippett’s game that has grown the most are his defensive skills. Maybe this is due to confidence, or it might be the John Tortorella effect, regardless it’s great to see him taking that next step in his game.
Tippett falls into the category of having drive. He has looked fresh and confident since coming back from his injury. It’s amazing what a good coach and confidence can do for a player. Tippett finally looks like the player the Florida Panthers drafted in the first round of the 2017 NHL Draft. He was getting prime scoring chances once he was traded to Philly following the trade deadline last season. Now he’s cashing in on those opportunities. The talent has always been there, but his confidence at times lacked. Let’s look at what his confidence had done for him lately (Goal yesterday against the Los Angeles Kings):
What a shot right!!! This is why he was drafted as high as he was with shots like that. The Flyers are right when they say “Tipper the ripper.”
Hopefully his recent success continues and he is able keep up his confidence. Tortorella has said over and over that the team is in need of goal scoring, well Tippett is providing in this area. The young 23-year-old in Tippett stands at 6’1 and weighs 207 pounds. He likes to throw his weight around at times, has excellent speed, and really possesses an excellent wrist/snap shot.
“I’m really excited for this new opportunity to join a team, build with them and get a fresh start,” said Owen Tippett via a Flyers press release last year. “I’m still working on trying to round out my 200-foot game, but overall I think I can bring offense, size and speed to the lineup. I’m really excited to get going and meet everyone.”
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Good for Tippett for bringing size, speed, and a nasty wrist shot into the fold. Tippett’s confidence is finally paying dividends for the orange and black, now it’s time for the Ginger to reap some of the benefits.
