Photo taken by Jamey Baskow
The definition of a leader as defined by the Merriam Webster Dictionary is, “Something that leads.” Jakub Voracek continues to be that guy, while playing well Defensively. Much has been made about Voracek about not being the leader in the locker room, or off the ice However, Voracek has taken his game to another level this season, and he has answered the bell to Alain Vigneault’s calling.
Talk about taking his game to another level, Jake is a plus 11 this season, as he continues to play the game the right way. Voracek has produced, (12g,34a en route to a possible fourth consecutive season with 60 plus points), and is leading by example. Moreover, Voracek still receives criticism from time to time by some people, “He has to produce“ or, “He has to be a leader,” “I think I have been a leader for the past few years,” Voracek says, “Just because I don’t make a show, doesn’t mean I’m not a leader. Ask the other guys, and see what they think of me!!! I try to help them out, and the younger guys, as well. It’s part of my job.”
The 32-year-old in Voracek continues, “I value my coach, and my teammates. It’s really hard to change peoples’ opinions.” Voracek has become even more committed to playing well Defensively, “I’ve been playing well Defensively,” Voracek said after practice a few Monday’s ago, “I’m a pretty smart player that knows how to play the game. I always had it defensively, this year I’m trying to be really good at it. Especially, playing with Coots, going against the top lines night after night. You have a right to play responsibly defensively.” This is great to hear from a player like Voracek. Reading between the lines of this quote, it appears producing isn’t just about the points that Voracek puts up on the stat sheet, rather he can produce by playing sound Defense.
Jake has skated well for the past few months, as he continues to back check on most plays. Take a look back at the Pittsburgh Penguins game right before the holiday break in December. Voracek picked off at least four passes, and it lead to the first goal of the night for the Flyers. Some say trade Voracek, however, who else on this roster as constructed would replace Voracek’s production if he indeed did get traded? It can’t just be Sean Couturier, Travis Konecny, Kevin Hayes, or Claude Giroux. Without Voracek’s production, who knows if the Flyers would be in third place in the Metropolitan Division. Moreover, Voracek has played well defensively, and that cannot be taken for granted. He is skating his rear end off, as Voracek continues to lead by example on and off the ice.
Voracek has become a leader this young Flyers team has craved for the past few seasons. He is leading by example right now, as Voracek is committed to playing a two-way game.
