Photo Credit: Our very own Rob Windfelder
If Flyers fans have been watching closely at Flyers Training Camp over the course of the past week or so. John Tortorella said his lineup is “Wide open”. He is making good on that promise, as the youth have been given more than opportunity to win spots. Tortorella said come to work and look to earn a spot, as the lineup is not filled out yet. Tortorella also indicated that the Flyers would have a young backend. Could that mean that one or two of Adam Ginning, Emil Andrae, Egor Zamula, Helge Grans, or Ronnie Attard make the club on the opening night? Things will get interesting as camp and the pre-season wears on, but here are some things to watch for tonight in the Flyers second pre-season game.
Lines, Pairings, and the backup goaltending role
The lines continue to be a top story. It appears John Tortorella is giving the youth every opportunity to secure a spot. Both Cam Atkinson and Cam York did not participate in practice in Voorhees, NJ. That appears to be the big story of training camp today. Phantoms Head Coach Ian Laperrière says that Cam Atkinson was in the gym today and pretty upbeat. He said he was smiling and appeared to be walking just fine. As for Cam York, he said it’s nothing serious.
Here are the lines below for tonight’s bout against the New York Islanders:
Laughton-Cates-Tuomaala
Deslauriers-Poehling-Hathaway
Allison-Gardner-Wisdom
Furry-Laczynski-Marody
The health of Travis Konecny and Cam Atkinson were two big story lines a few days ago. Tortorella said that Konecny would need an extra day off (Monday), but Tortorella did expect him back today (Wednesday). Konecny did say that he will be able to play in the games later in the week, and he is ok. Furry continues to get a look with the Flyers, and it makes me think he is the new Max Willman with how he was utilized as a utility player/fill in. This is impressive for Furry, who is under contract with the Phantoms.
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Defensively, the Flyers will be in influx throughout the season. The defensive pairings will be shuffled at times tonight, with Victor Mete making his Flyers pre-season debut. Defensively the Flyers will go with Victor Mete, Emil Andrae, Ronnie Attard, Louie Belpedio, Adam Ginning, and Adam Karashik.
Let’s see how Emil Andrae fares. Andrae has had a stellar camp thus far, but exhibition games are important. This is his second straight pre-season game, so they are giving him every shot to win a spot. I do expect another round of cuts to transpire on Thursday, as Phantoms Training Camp opens Sunday October 1, 2023. Look for Louie Belpedio, Adam Brooks, Samu Tuomaala, Jordy Bellerive, Will Zmolek, Mason Millman, Alexis Gendron, and possibly Ethan Samson to be re-assigned to the Phantoms roster for camp.
Back up goalies
Samuel Ersson and Felix Sandström will play tonight. Phantoms Head Coach Ian Laperrière has confirmed that Sandström will play the first period tonight, while Ersson will play the last two periods. Both Ersson and Sandström have had strong camps thus far, as both made some really nice saves on Friday. Sandström was a bright spot in the 6-0 drubbing to the New Jersey Devils this past Monday night. Let’s see what transpires as both are vying for the backup goaltending spot to Carter Hart.
The Youth
The Flyers top brass and Tortorella are making good on a promise. They promised they would give the youth a chance to earn spots. Well, they are doing that with rolling these lineups in the first two pre-season games. They are giving the youth opportunities to earn a spot.
Now if the youth don’t win the spots, well they need more time in the AHL or junior hockey. It’s on them, not the organization at this point.
