PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 08: Jakub Voracek #93 of the Philadelphia Flyers celebrates his game winning goal at 1:28 of overtime against the Washington Capitals at the Wells Fargo Center on January 8, 2015 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Flyers defeated the Capitals 3-2 in overtime.(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
The definition of a leader as defined by the Merriam Webster Dictionary is, “Something that leads.” Gotta say, Sean Couturier and Jakub Voracek were that for the Flyers last night against the Boston Bruins.
Down in the muck, losing 5-2 to a good Bruins team, Couturier pots a huge goal to pull within two of the Bruins at 5-3. That’s the moment the flood gates opened for the orange and black, as Coots then placed the team on his back.
Coots holds himself to a high standard, and also holds himself accountable when need be. Accountability is a strong word that is used this season for the Flyers. Couturier is no stranger to holding himself accountable, and that rubs off on his teammates, as well. Former Flyers Interim Head Coach Scott Gordon spoke very highly of Coots last season, “He’s a 200-foot player. He’s valuable because of the fact he can produce, and mostly at the same time play against the other teams top line and be effective, kill penalties, plays on the power-play wins faceoffs. I mean there’s not much more you can ask for.”
This young player in Couturier potted one goal, and 2 assists last night against the powerful Bergeron line. Moreover, Coots limited one of the best top lines in hockey (Marchand, Bergeron, Pastrnak) to just one goal, and two assists, for six shots total. Whatever line Coots is on he just seems to wreak havoc on his opponents on a nightly basis. The difference of this season, as compared to other seasons, is Couturier is finally evolving into the leader this young team has craved for the past few seasons, and after last night’s performance that should cement his name in stone for a possible Selke Trophy (Best Defensive Forward) this season.
“All those guys, I love Kevin Hayes as a person, James and Jake, I’m starting to know they’re great people,” Vigneault said following practice on October 31, 2019, “I need more from the hockey player. Two different distinctions, right? The person and the hockey player. Those three guys, I need more from the hockey player. I know that they want to do well.“
Much has been made about Voracek being lazy, or committing wild turnovers from cross ice passes within the past month or so. However, Voracek has taken his game to another level within the past month, and he has answered the bell to Vigneault’s calling.
Since December 14, 2019 (Exactly one month from today), Voracek has registered two goals, and 14 assists in 15 games played. Talk about taking his game to another level. Simply put, he has produced, and is leading by example. Moreover, Voracek is pace for another 60 or more point season, which would be his the fourth straight year of doing such.
Who else on this roster as constructed would replace Voracek’s production if he got hurt? It can’t just be Couturier, Travis Konecny, or even Claude Giroux. Without Voracek’s production right now, imagine where the Flyers would be…they would be in the dumps. He is skating his rear end off, and playing solid defensively believe it or not. Voracek is leading by example right now, and he did that against the Bruins last night (2a).
Voracek and Coots are the leaders this young Flyers team has craved for the past few seasons. They are both leading by example right now, and that is how the Flyers rallied back and beat the Bruins.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
While watching the first period, I was so disgusted that I shut off the game. The thought was that if I shut off the game maybe they would win (Philly logic).
I was so pissed that they were not playing the way they DID PLAY in the third.
After checking NHL.com off and on every 5 min, I had to watch the 3rd period.
WHAM. The FLYERS were NOW FINALLY playing FLYERS hockey. If the Flyers play like this for every game they will get into the playoffs with no issue. One might say they need to trade someone to get a center. Not sure you need to do that. Just play like you played last night. The defense (at times) seemed to NOT be as aggressive as I thought they should, but finally started to piece it together. Ladies and Gentlemen, last night was FLYERS hockey. In my opinion, they should give that same effort each game (effort and strategy). If they play like this the remainder of the season, we will be in great company. Tall order, but remember, that’s where (hopefully) coaching can come into play. I wanted to reply with some accolades for the team performance instead of always bitching and complaining.
GO FLYERS.