Cam Atkinson rocks on the ice, and rocks off the ice. I think some people forget he potted 35 goals back in 2016-17 and 41 goals in 2018-19. He possesses a shoot first mentality which the Flyers could use, and also has “Elite” penalty killing skills:
“Cam Atkinson is what we call a hockey player, and he just loves to play the game of hockey. Tremendous energy. You probably heard that in his press conference today. He’s a player that really can contribute every which way. I think he’s been one of the better five-on-five goal scorers in the league over seven, eight years. He drives play. He’s an elite penalty killer. I think he’s second to Brad Marchand in shorthanded goals going back to 2014. He’s been a really good scorer during the playoffs. There’s really not much he can’t do. For a guy that isn’t that tall, he’s tenacious.” – Chuck Fletcher
Atkinson has tallied 12 short-handed goals dating back to the 2016-17 season, while Kevin Hayes has tallied 11 short-handed goals dating back to the 2016-17 season. The Flyers should not only have a successful penalty killing unit this coming season, but they should be a threat again while short-handed. The Flyers needed a breath of fresh air, new leadership, and players that can get the job done with special teams. Fletcher said at his exit interviews that he would also try to improve the power play and penalty killing units this offseason, well he has done that. Now it’s time for the team to prove it, as their rebound or revenge season depends on it.
It’s crazy to believe that Atkinson, who has yet to play one game for the Flyers, is a fan favorite. However, that’s exactly what has transpired in a month since joining the team. The Atkinson’s took a tour of Philly last week, to include running up the steps of Rocky. One main reason for this is he gets it, and Atkinson appears to get Philadelphia. So much so, the fans have been noticing.
He took part in a cheesesteak challenge this past week with Gritty, who came out victorious out of the four major cheese steak shops in our sponsor Jim’s South Street, Pat’s King of Steaks, Geno’s, or Tony Lukes?
Of course, Jim’s comes out on top. They provide mouth watering cheesesteaks, that bursts with flavor. Jim’s was voted by Trip Advisor as the “Best of the Best” in 2021. Cam’s favorite is a “Whiz Wit”, like most Philadelphian’s. What’s yours?
