A new-look second line is paying early dividends for streaking Flyers

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Let’s go Flyers bum, bum, dah, dah, bum. Let’s go Flyers bum, bum, dah, dah, bum. The Philadelphia Flyers are finally back on the prowl. They are back to their winning ways after a three game sweep on the Western Canadian road trip. A road trip that saw them pot 13 goals, and only managed to give up 5 goals against. What’s the main reason behind the Flyers recent success? Look no further than new look,  reformed second line of Michael Raffl, Valtteri Filppula, and Jakub Voracek.

Before the road trip started the Flyers were a dumpster fire in search of more secondary scoring. Moreover, they lost ten straight games, and it appeared Head Coach Dave Hakstol’s tenure with the Flyers would be complete following the road trip. The orange and black scored a measly 20 goals on the losing streak, but gave up 37 goals against. This just isn’t good enough to succeed in today’s day NHL.

In search of more secondary scoring, Hakstol switched up the lines prior to the Calgary game last Monday night. The lines were as follows:

1st: Giroux, Coots, Simmonds

2nd: Raffl, Filppula, Voracek

3rd: Weise, Patrick, Konecny

4th: Leier, Laughton, Weal

The Flyers had to do some type of shake-up to overcome their ten game losing streak. Most notably, the top “Ginger Line,” was broken up. Some critics say this should have happened weeks ago, but there was no looking back in the past to overcome this type of adversity. Hakstol had the guts to put a forward in Raffl to a top six pairing. Gotta say that was a ballsy move at the time, and Hakstol hoped it would save his job. Well, it worked as the lines appear to be more balanced, as the Flyers are now on a three game winning streak.

Fortunately, the orange and black received a great amount of secondary scoring from an unexpected source in Raffl, Filppula, and Voracek. They have been on a tear since they have been together. This line has registered 15 points in just three games of being together. Moreover, they are an insane plus 11. Raffl seems to be benefitting from two prolific passers, as he is a natural goal scorer that has pretty good hands.

Voracek was a man who appeared to lose a step throughout the ten game losing streak. No one likes to lose especially a person with as much heart as him. Voracek was unvoracek like with making cross ice passes, that eventually led to turnovers. His back checking was lackadaisical at times. It’s just losing and it appeared it was taking its effect on him.

After breaking the losing streak, Voracek has been on a tear once again. He has registered 7 assists for a total of 7 points in three games played. Voracek seems to have his groove back. He just seems more confident playing with a natural goal scorer in Raffl, and Filppula. Voracek can’t prove his worth much more, to some people who may be criticizing him for his contract.

Raffl is a player that knows how to put the puck in the back of the net. He has registered a 20 goal season in the past, and one of Raffl’s strengths are puck battles against the boards. Before the Raffl, Filppula, Voracek, line was put together. Raffl had a measly 2 goals and 1 assist on the year. Since then, this Austrian born hockey player has potted 3 goals, and 1 assist. Raffl appears to benefitting from a great passer in Voracek.

Filppula is a man who has great vision. He is a think pass first type of player. However, Filppula knows how to find twine as well. Before Filppula joined a line with Raffl, and Voracek. Filppula had decent numbers with 6 goals, and 5 assists. However, Voracek and Raffl have aided Filppula by potting 1 goal, and 3 assists in just three games. Filppula appears to have his will and know how back as a second line center.

Believe it or not this is a pretty speedy line that is filled to the gills with offensive talent. Raffl isn’t afraid to shoot from anywhere, and he is clearly benefitting from two known prolific passers. However, Voracek and Filppula can place the bisquit in the basket, as well. This line simply appears to compliment each other very well. Hopefully, their string of luck continues on Tuesday night in a tilt against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Wells Fargo Center. One thing is certain Flyers fans, the future is bright in Flyer land.

 

Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports