Last season the Flyers went through a lot of changes: Most notably a new boss behind the bench. With the addition of head coach Alain Vigneault came a whole new system that was to be implemented. A system that would require its players to play a 200 ft game and be defensibly responsible. While most players seemed to adapt to the new system and its high-tempo practices that Vigneault likes to run in order to whip his players into shape, some of the team’s jaded veterans did not seem too keen on the new ideology that was being brought to the locker room.
In fact, the players that would prove to be the most unwilling to change their ways last season were wingers James van Riemsdyk (JVR) and Jakub Voracek, along with defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere (A.K.A. Ghost). As the season progressed though, these three previously-mentioned Flyers would come to find out that their new boss would prove to be even more stubborn than they were being.
As van Riemsdyk and Voracek’s lazy tendencies continued to make themselves more apparent, these two players found themselves shunned to the bottom six (3rd and 4th lines). These moves occurred- not because of a sudden lack of offensive production in their games- but rather because of their total disregard of tending to their duties in their own defensive zone. An example of these actions would be visible at any point last season when the famous sportscaster (and long-time Flyers’ play announcer) Jim Jackson would review a goal by the other team: You could see these two-slowing striding into the frame after the man that they were supposed to be defending against just scored a goal.
Then there was Shayne Gostisbehere. Often times last season he could be found in a suit sitting in the press box while his team was playing because he was labeled a healthy scratch. The reason why this player- who makes $4.5 million a season from the Flyers- was up in the rafters was because- although he is a defenseman- he was more worried about trying to score goal than trying to prevent one!
Now, these players may have been reluctant to change their ways last season, but after they saw what a strong playoff push the Flyers made last season with most of their teammates sticking to the Vigneault’s system, these above-mentioned players have come in this year and seemed ready to finally buy into his methods. In doing so, all three have seemed to flourish thus far. Take JVR for that matter: He has been playing more physically lately and he has been keeping his feet in consent motion instead of standing in concrete on the ice in a particular spot waiting for something to come his way. Doing this has allowed him to get beat less on defense and be a part of more plays during an offensive rush instead of trying to play catch up. JVR has also seemed to regain his net-front presence again- the thing that the team brought him in for. Showing a renewed sense and focus on just when and where to move his stick in order to change the trajectory of the puck to fool the goalie he is currently screening.
Voracek for the first time in his career is playing a more complete 200ft game and is showing time and time again this year that he is willing to follow his man all the way into the Flyers’ defensive zone, back checking all the way. As a result, Jakob has also been the model of consistency offensively this season for the Flyers.
As for Ghost, most are a little more hesitant to give him praise just yet since he has been a shell of his former self for some time now. I have to say, though, that for the first time in a long time he actually looks healthy! He is even playing on the first pairing with Provorov at times. Now, is he still jumping up into the play offensively? Yes, that is a large part of his game. Ultimately, what’s different is that this year he has shown the ability and willingness to get back when the opposition takes control of the puck. Is he still making the same careless turnovers? Yes (less of them mind you), but unlike previous years he is not just dropping his head in defeat afterwards and slowing stride into his defensive zone watching as the guy he turned the puck over to is rushing in on a one-on-the-goalie break. Shayne is instead turning tail and skating stride-for-stride with the player that he turned the puck over to and beating and banging on his opponents stick the whole way down the ice, keeping this potential goal scorer to the boards (the most non-threatening spot to receive a shot from for a goalie). Overall, is that not all that you can ask from a defenseman when they turned over the puck? With these new found habits in place, Gostisbehere’s plus/minus rating has not taken the plunge into the negatives that it has in years prior; Rather, it is staying above zero for a change.
For these reasons and more I believe that all three of these players have gained Vigneault’s trust and not only gotten themselves out of his doghouse this year but have helped this injury-ridden team to stay the course while a few of their teammates are still on the shelf.
Alain’s tactics may seem a little harsh to some (especially in the case of the recent benching of Flyers star Travis Konecny who has seemed to move into that recently vacated doghouse of AV’s) when Vigneault had this to say when asked about the benching of TK and his coaching strategies:
“I came here to Philly to win a Stanley Cup. To win a Stanley Cup there’s a certain way you have to play, and certain decisions you need to make. With and without the puck.” – Alain Vigneault
But like it or not, his methods are effective! I mean you don’t make it to “ninth all time in wins” by a coach without knowing how to handle a few stubborn players right? With that being said, SO WHAT if Vigneault’s methods are persistent and demanding in nature; Shouldn’t they be? This is not Pewee hockey we’re talking about here folks. These are grown men that are getting paid millions of dollars to play a sport that we all love and would do for free just for the chance to be in their skates. For me, the proof is in the pudding guys: Vigneault’s system and strict way of seeing to it that his players will follow it to a “T” is refreshing! It is high time that the players- not the coaches, not the general manager, and not always the team’s goaltenders- are the ones being held accountable for others’ mistakes or short comings. Now, each individual is being held responsible for their own productivity (or lack thereof). The team’s new system has proven to be efficient and successful, but it can only be effective if all players involved adhere to it at all times. There cannot be a weak link because it will then surely falter. JVR, Ghost, and Voracek have come to realize this recently, and Konecny is the latest player that needed a little reminder. Hopefully during his time off Travis realized that if he is to be a star player for the Flyers moving forward he will not feel it necessary to take nights off and coast through games like he did in last year’s playoffs, where he went goalless, and instead come back hungrier than ever!
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