The Flyers have relied on the young players to drive the train this year. That continued this past week as the Flyers called up top prospect, Morgan Frost. Frost is the name fans have been waiting for and he did not disappoint. He and fellow rookies Joel Farabee, Phil Myers, along with Carter Hart have been really good this season.
Like any young player, they will have their ups and downs. However so far their ups have outweighed their downs and the future looks very promising in South Philadelphia.
Philly’s Freeze Warning
On his very first shift as a Flyer, Frost made his presence in the NHL known. He took a pass in the high slot and fired a really good shot on net. In a game that featured the Panthers taking it to the Flyers, Frost was a bright spot. On the top line with Claude Giroux and Travis Konecny, Frost benefited from their skill. He took a hard-fought Konecny pass and buried a beautiful backhand goal past Sergei Bobrovsky.
Frost followed the first game with a two-point game against the Carolina Hurricanes. His next two games he has been held off of the score sheet, however, he had been noticeable on the ice. His size, skill, and skating already have people comparing him to the Captain.
Frost spoke of Giroux’s leadership. “He obviously knows the game well and is really smart. If he sees something that can do better he’ll tell me and if I need his advice on something, I’m not afraid to ask him and he’s really helpful. He stays positive all the time and it really helps to play in your first couple of games playing with a player like him.”
Frost had the following to say about playing with Konecny. “It’s a good combination. He (Konecny) is a spark plug and a really skilled player that can put the puck in the net. So far we have complimented each other really well.”
Farabee Starts Strong
Joel Farabee’s start to his NHL career has been strong as well. In multiple games this year, he has been one of the best players on the ice. Although the points aren’t coming as he would like, he is a good young player. Lately, he seems to be fighting the puck a bit, and it appears that Farabee is the most targeted Flyer on the ice. When asked if he felt the opposing teams are making a point to hit him, he had this to say:
“I mean I don’t know if it’s necessarily their game plan. I just think I’m not the biggest guy so obviously when you’re gonna go and hit somebody you’re probably gonna go after guys a little bit smaller. It’s just a little bit of that and obviously you know it’s a tough league. I gotta be able to get through those checks and try and get open, so I kind of just want to try to figure out now.”
Farabee has bounced around on the top three lines, however, he has been most productive when playing with Kevin Hayes. Most of his points came while playing on the third line. Since Frost has been called up, Farabee is back on the third line and making some really good plays. e had a hard-fought assist on Hayes’ goal against Calgary.
Against Vancouver, he had an amazing pass and setting up Myers for what should have been the go-ahead goal, if not for an amazing save by Canucks goalie, Thatcher Demko.
Farabee has the skills and talent to make an impact in this league. When asked about his recent struggles he said the following: “I think a lot of it right now it’s just overthinking the game. I got in my own head a little bit too much right now so trying to simplify go back to the basics and, hopefully, that I can have more success.”
The key to these young players is for the fans to manage their expectations. We can’t hold their productivity to the same standard that we hold some of the veterans too. They are going to make mistakes as they experience growing pains in their first NHL season.
The Flyers continue their busy Thanksgiving week by traveling to Columbus to take on the Blue Jackets. Then it’s home against the Detriot Red Wings Friday afternoon and then off to Montreal on Saturday.
Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
