Photo Credits: FNG’s Rob Windfelder
Well this seems like the perfect time for the Flyers to have a short break from the NHL schedule. There are 82 games in a season and there are going to be some ups and downs. Saturday’s overtime win against Columbus was the way you wanted to go into the holidays. Last night against the Penguins, …not so much. My condolences to any Flyers Fans that had to make the trip to Pittsburgh for the holidays and got to watch the game there with family and friends all decked out in yellow and black. That had to be a real hoot.
Dear Santa,
Here are just a few things for the wish list. The Flyers goaltending situation this season seems to be in a state of constant flux. It would sure up the situation big time if Ersson could get his mojo back. When he’s confident you can see it in every movement he makes especially with his glove hand. That’s his “tell”. When you see him snapping up pucks with the catching glove in a confident and almost nonchalant manner you know he is feeling it. On weeks like this when you see him checking the net for the puck after making a save you know he is not.
The Flyers goaltending so far this season has been at it’s best when their netminders feel like they are the last possible option. When Ersson recently missed several games due to injury both Fedotov and Kolosov eventually stepped up. There’s a certain lack of pressure when it’s a “next man up” what do you got to loose type of situation. Just to reinforce that point, Fedotov’s best game this season was when Kolosov was also hurt and there was an emergency back-up sitting on the bench. …With the way some of the defensive core has been playing maybe the goalies should always feel like the last possible option.
Checking it twice
Another thing that could do the Flyers a world of good would be if Joel Farabee could find his “finish”. Farabee is such a solid all around hockey player. You watch him at practice and there is not a single skill the guy seems to lack. He’s a bona-fide pro ice hockey player who just happens to be snake-bitten when it comes to hitting the back of the net this year.
Like I said, there really isn’t anything glaring that Joel needs to work on. He’s got it, he just can’t seem to close it out. So what’s the answer? I don’t know, hypnosis? Daily affirmations? Maybe just plant him in front of the net and let a few go in of his shin pads to break the spell. Let him grease up the crease a bit till the faucet comes on.
Players like Owen Tippett and Morgan Frost have really turned it on after having slow starts this season. They are making the difference and winning games for the team. You have guys who play a certain role every night like an undercurrent. They are very important to the team and the game plan as a whole. Poehling, Cates, Hathaway, Seeler to name a few. They dig in, they work hard, they do their job. You don’t expect to see them lighting up the score sheet every night. The guys you do expect to light it up gotta find a way to get there, and stay there.
Nice
Travis Konecny, Matvei Michkov, Travis Sanheim, Owen Tippett. These guys need to find a way to just keep doing what they are doing. Michkov is in a bit of a quiet spell (for him at least) and has been seeing a lack of ice time the past few games. Keep in mind he just turned 20 years of age. He is a rookie. He’s the best rookie in the league but his ceiling is high and he still has a ways to go.
Michkov’s potential is huge. Getting him to his full potential with this organization is a huge responsibility for coaching and management alike. If everything goes right Michkov will be a superstar. Mediocrity for Michkov might pass for excellence in a less talented player. Excellence for Michkov will be something to watch. Try not to get thin skinned as you watch them attempt to get him to his full potential. The sky’s the limit for this guy and he should settle for nothing less.
Thank You
They say gratitude is the secret to happiness and there is a lot of truth in that statement. I would like to thank all you Flyers Fans out there who come to the Nitty Gritty to break things down with us, this would all be pointless without you. Thanks to Jamey Baskow and all the fine folks at the Nitty Gritty for giving me the opportunity to cover the greatest sport on the planet. And of course the entire Flyers organization for all of the hospitality and access.
At this time of year we remember those who are no longer with us. Don’t forget to be an all-start for the people who count on you. Help them create the same type of awesome memories we already hold in our hearts. That’s what it’s all about. Merry Christmas. Lets Go!
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