Sean Couturier wanted to prove to his critics that the 2017-18 season was no fluke. Well, Coots did just that. He was nothing short of phenomenal for the orange and black in 2018-19. For the season, Couturier registered 33 goals, 43 assists, and was a plus 2. He rebounded nicely from re-injuring his knee in the offseason, from a hit that he sustained from his former teammate Radko Gudas, during the 2018 NHL playoffs. If people thought the past two years were good for “Couts,” think again, we haven’t seen anything yet.
The two-time Selke candidate takes great pride in his game. He wants to win regardless of the games are meaningless or not. “I think everyone has pride in here,” Couturier told me towards the end of last season, “We want to win games. It’s a lot more fun to win. Whatever happens here down the stretch we need to finish strong and build something here. Just push in the same direction.”
The 26-year-old standout has proved to the entire league that he’s a force to be reckoned with. “Couts” was the heart and soul of this young Flyers team all season long last season. There was no doubt he was the MVP of the team. When Couturier’s name was called for the team MVP award last year, there were plenty of orange-clad fans roaring Coooooooooooouuuuuts, to go along with the Let’s Go Flyers chants.
Couturier has been solid early this season, and there is no reason he shouldn’t crack the 80 point plateau. Rightfully, Couturier was not the happiest following two losses to Metropolitan Divisional foes in the New York Islanders and the Pittsburgh Penguins. He wanted to take his game to the next level, and for the Flyers to stop making excuses for their bad play. Well, “Couts” has done just that, as he lead the Flyers to a weekend victory over the New Jersey Devils in a shootout, and a shootout loss Toronto Maple Leafs. All of this with a shoulder strain, as Alain Vigneault told the media at practice yesterday.
This young player in Couturier potted 1 goal (not included is a beautiful shootout goal), and 2 assists this weekend. He should tally 83 points (35g, 48a) this season. While forming a line with Oskar Lindblom, and Travis Konecny, headed by Couturier, their line seems to wreak havoc on his opponents on a nightly basis. This is just one reason many believe that this line is the Flyers top line. 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.
Here are some videos of Couturier from this past week:
The Flyers locker room has needed that voice for the past few seasons. Couturier is a player that younger players look up to, and he is a new voice of the Flyers. If Couturier has a bad game he owns it. Moreover, that is something that sits well with Head Coach Alain Vigneault. Couts 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.”
Sean Couturier prides himself on being outstanding defensively, but wants to showcase his offensive skills, as well. He has really taken his game to another level these past few years, and it has given Couturier a ton of confidence. This season is no different for the new leader in Couturier, and finally, another star has been born in Philadelphia. One thing is certain Flyers fans, the future is bright in Flyer land.
Flyers Point Leaders:
Konecny- 14
Voracek- 11
Lindblom- 11
Provorov- 9
Giroux- 9
Couturier- 9
Hayes- 7
JVR- 6
Niskanen- 6
Raffl- 6
Sanheim- 5
Ghost- 4
Laughton- 3
Braun- 3
Photo Credit: Zack Hill
Future Captain of the Philadelphia Flyers !!
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