The Flyers lost the first game to the New York Islanders, and there was one common trend to this loss: the third line Center position just isn’t getting the job done. Last week I wrote an article on the top scorers not producing, so that one has already been written, the 3C on the other hand has been an issue these entire playoffs.
Derek Grant has been primarily used as a 3C, and he just isn’t getting the job done. For the playoffs he has just two assists, one in the Round Robin Tournament against the Tampa Bay Lightning, and the other assist on the fourth line against the Montreal Canadiens in game six. The position appears to be over his head at the moment. Moreover, Scott Laughton was used as a 3C in Friday’s series clinching victory against the Montreal Canadiens, to which he tallied no goals or assists. Moreover, Claude Giroux started out the game yesterday as a 3C, but was quickly shuffled to the top line once again, so Michael Raffl could balance out the fourth line, to which Grant was again bumped up to 3C.
It’s not fair to just blame one position or player, but in this case the 3C position is so vital to the overall success of this team, and the Flyers can ill afford to go down 2-0 in this series to a very well defensively orchestrated team in the Islanders. Moreover, the Flyers are 18-18 all-time when a series is tied 1-1, and are 3-15 all-time when trailing a series 2-0. So where do you go from here, and who takes over the 3C position?
The easiest answer to this question is Morgan Frost. Yes, he might be a little undersized at the moment, but if Alain Vigneault surrounds him with players that typically excel, and are playmakers this should not be a problem at all. Below is a perfect line for Frost to get his first taste of playoff experience:
Claude Giroux, Morgan Frost, Jakub Voracek
Frost is listed at 6’0 180 pounds, according to hockeydb.com. He had some great moments for the Flyers, and hopefully he continues to make this young team a consistent one at the very least defensively when and if his number gets called for the upcoming playoff run. Frost really improved tremendously on the defensive side of the puck as he got more chances with the big club, and he finished the season strong with two goals and five assists in 20 games played for the Flyers.
The Flyers could really use Frost’s explosive speed in this lineup, and his back checking has improved tremendously to be effective in Vigneault’s system. Frost is very creative on the offensive side of the puck, which the Flyers could use at the moment, especially at the 3C position. Frost is just staying ready in case his number gets called, “Kind of just the same for everyone, just come in here and work hard, especially for me obviously,” Frost said at training camp, “I’m an extra right now so just work as hard as I can and stay ready for hopefully an opportunity.”
Vigneault told the media on Sunday that the extras or black aces are seeing ice on a regular basis, and staying ready just in case their number gets called. What better time is there to insert a playmaker, surround him with players to succeed as Vigneault always does with younger players, then now? “As a team and a staff, we have to look at not just goaltenders but throughout our lineup,” Vigneault said Sunday, “What’s going to give us the best chance to win on any given night? Is it going with the same lineup? Is it going with fresh legs? Guys that are 100%, etc. We’re going to have some decisions to make on a game to game basis. I’m going to obviously discuss it with my whole staff, my coaches and management and try to come up with what we believe is the best lineup to give us a chance to win on any given night.”
This second game is a critical game for the orange and black, and inserting Frost into the lineup could really throw off a very talented coach in Barry Trotz. He may not even see it coming. Vigneault senses he has to get the third line going, and that is why the has used Giroux and Scott Laughton on that line. This makes the case for Frost an even stronger one. Whatever the case maybe Vigneault should be trusted to make the right decision, and we should full faith in him.
Its too late to bring in a young, untested player like Morgan Frost at this point. The real problem is the veteran players. Most have not shown up from day one of this tournament. Claude Giroux has been awful. He’s getting paid like a superstar, but hasn’t even scored a goal in the ten games the Flyers have played so far. Jake Voracek hasn’t Done much scoring either, nor has James vanReimsdyk. Kevin Hayes is now struggling too. Travis Konecny is a dud and Scott Laughton has also disappeared. The Islanders are a better team than Montreal, so the Flyers season may just be over by this time next week. The above players need to start earning their lofty paychecks.
Gregg,
As always I appreciate your comment, your read, your support. It was just a thought, but in reality I’m hoping that the top end players get it going or else this will be a short playoff run
Gregg is exactly right. Frost is exactly right, he is NOT ready, Darabee looks overmatched most shifts as well.
The problem isn’t 3rd line center, its Giroux, Couturier, gutless JVR, Konecny and even Hayes not producing.
The firecheck is also non existent…too easy for the Habs and isles to outnumber the Flyers, win the puck abd out of the zone it goes. AV has got to put more emphasis in the ozone.
Looks like a quick series, and the Flyers really just aren’t that good …yet.
Eric,
Thanks a lot for your read, and your support. I agree the top end players have to start playing some hockey, or this will be a short playoff run.