Another man down, next man up has become the theme of the Flyers season before the pause, and it appears to be the same way following Sunday’s game. The latest Flyer to hit the shelf is Michael Raffl, after he went awkwardly into the boards during the 3rd period of the Flyers/Bruins game yesterday.
Per Head Coach Alain Vigneault, “Raffl will not be available for a bit.” Not good Flyers fan, as Raffl was a key catalyst on the Penalty Kill. This will hurt more than most think, as he plays extremely well on the PK, scores key goals, and well just plays a smart game.
This injury to Raffl will hurt a little more than most think. The NHL is littered with role-players, and role-players could be on the third line or fourth-line. For instance, both of these lines provide energy, where fourth-line players usually provide more physicality, who can chip in a goal or two at times. Raffl fit the bill very well as a bottom six player, who is excellent on the Penalty Kill (Held a lethal Boston Power Play 0-3). He knows where to be on the ice and when. Simply put, Raffl is a good two-way hockey player, that can play in the top six of times if need be. He’s also versatile, as Raffl can play both Center and Wing, “He’s a great guy to be around,” Sean Couturier said yesterday, “We’re going to miss him if it’s for an extended period of time. Like I said, there’s some other guys just waiting to get an opportunity. We have some depth, which is a good thing. We can use that.”
In Raffl’s place, a young Joel Farabee will now suit up, and he will become the fourth Flyer to make his playoff debut this playoff season. The 20-year-old in Farabee has been chomping at the bit to get in. Well, now is his chance to shine. I’m very confident in this young man, as his work ethic is through the roof. However, Farabee is not a fourth-line player in the NHL. His ceiling is a top 6 player, and placing him on the fourth line could really hinder his development. Head Coach Alain Vigneault will now be tasked with shifting lines to maximize Farabee’s talent. Not every player can excel in a role with limited ice time, especially if this player is used to playing 13 to 14 minutes per night.
For me, I’m not concerned about the physicality purposes with Farabee, this young man is tough as nails and he proved that throughout the course of the season. Vigneault will place Farabee in a situation to succeed, as Farabee can play either Wing. The challenge for Vigneault is placement within the lineup. Can Farabee play in a third line checking role? He is defense oriented, but can he be a grinder? Or is he better suited in a fourth line energy role? These are not easy questions for Vigneault to make, but he has no other choice but to make them right now given the situation.
Before Raffl’s injury, Vigneault was tasked with trying to ignite the third line that consisted of JVR, Grant, Pitlick. Unfortunately, with Raffl’s injury he is now tasked with igniting the third line, and more line juggling to maximize Farabee’s talents. These are good problems to have with so much depth, but Raffl played a key role on this Flyers team.
Let’s hope the Flyers can push through this stretch. Thursday’s game is no easy task, as they will play a divisional rival in the Washington Capitals. Letttt’s goooo Flyerssss
