Photo Credit: Our very own Michael Reaves
Following a statement 5-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday night back in October. It appeared, definitively, that Sean Couturier was back to his normal self. It didn’t take long, only four 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, Couturier matched up against Connor McDavid for 21 out 22 shifts that night. Coots was relegated with shutting down one of the best players in the game, and he did just that as McDavid went home shot-less with just one assist to his name for the night. Even so much so, Couturier registered two assists bringing his point total to four in four games played (1G,3A).
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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. Yes his offensive game may not be where once was a few years ago, but his presence on the ice is being felt by the youth. He is the first one of the first players on ice at practice, and the last one to leave it.
For his efforts, he was named the 20th Captain in Flyers history by Flyers’ General Manager Danny Briere, “Sean Couturier is an ideal choice to be the next leader of the Philadelphia Flyers,” Briere said. “Sean was drafted here and has made Philadelphia his home. I have personally seen his development from a responsible forward to one of the best two-way centerman in the game and a playoff performer. The adversity he has had to overcome has only strengthened his proven leadership. In this New Era of Orange with Dan Hilferty, Keith Jones and John Tortorella at the helm, we couldn’t be more proud to call him captain.”
Couturier finally played in the Flyers home opener for the first time in two years. From there he’s been a leader on and off the ice, teaching youth how to win face off, teaching the youth how to become better pros, teach 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’s been benched at times for rest purposes, after it was revealed that he was pretty banged up, yes he currently is day-to-day with an upper body injury, but he still is playing the game in sport he loves. For his efforts, he was named as the Bill Masterton nominee for the Philadelphia Flyers yesterday, “I don’t take anything for granted,” Couturier saud ad he was happy he received his honor.
The award is given annually to the NHL player “who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to ice hockey.” For the above reasons and explanations, Couturier is more than deserving but receiving this prestigious award.
