Photo Credit: The Flyers
Following a statement 7-5 victory over the Minnesota Wild yesterday. It appeared, definitively, that Sean Couturier was back to his normal self. It took only eight games to witness this. But, he was the former Selke shut down Center that the Flyers and their proud faithful have come to know. According to John Tortorella via his post game press conference, “We have been concentrating more on scoring around the blue, and Coots has done a great job leading the way.”
That was then, and this is now. Couturier has proven to be steady, while doing the little things right throughout the course of the season. He has been battling, playing on the Wing and then moving back to Center. Couturier netted three goals and two assists for his efforts in yesterday’s victory over the Wild.
The Captain needed this game. He needed this game to feel good about himself again, and to prove to his naysayers he has a lot left in the tank. Couturier has been highly criticized for being slow, and lacking the skills needed to be a top six Center at his position. He even notched his 500th career NHL point yesterday, in Coots fashion, as he notched a hat trick.
Couturier has been a leader on and off the ice, teaching youth how to win face off, teaching the youth how to become better pros, teaching the youth to become a bit more selfless. That is who he is, a leader. Many players have spoken out in favor of Couturier, while calling him a leader in the same token.
“It’s such a great honor. It’s a really prestigious organization so this makes it even more special. This city is my home and I love it here,” Couturier said. “It’s going to be business as usual for me. Nothing is really going to change from me or my game and how I approach things. I love my teammates, how we have grown as a group and I want to make sure we keep going on the right path here.”
“This city is my home and I love it here.” Flyers’ number one Center Sean Couturier
Yes, he was benched at times for rest purposes last season, after it was revealed that he was pretty banged up, “Playing with Mich and TK, kind of know my job is to control the center of the ice, create some space, go to the net and they’ll make plays,” Couturier said.
The guy just wants to win, but he also understands this team is young. This team needs the Coots from yesterday, and if he really is back, this changes this teams overall complexion moving forward.
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I can see the passion behind this post, great job!