The Flyers are in the midst of a crucial three-game road trip. As they look to turn their road success around, the bottom-six forwards have produced heavily as of late. In last night’s win over the Panthers, all of Pitlick, Laughton and Nic Aube-Kubel lit the lamp. With this, a PSN favorite, Robert Hagg, has four points in his last six games (2g, 4a).
With all of the depth success for Philly, it’s pushing some big names out of the lineup.
Morgan Frost
The first of two big names that have been in the news today is Morgan Frost. The youngster earned his second call up exactly a week ago and failed to record a point in the two games he appeared in since. He played a total of 26 minutes in four total Flyers’ games and will earn much more time on ice, and development, with Lehigh Valley.
The Phantoms are looking to utilize their AHL all-star immediately. In 30 games with the AHL affiliate, Frost has 20 points (8g, 12a). Lehigh Valley currently sits in second to last of the Eastern Conference and has a bottom three powerplay (11.76%). Bringing Frost back will help bring a spark back to the team, and hopefully allow them to play spoiler and gain some confidence down the home stretch.
Shayne Gostibehere
This is a new one.
The last time he was in the AHL was the 2015-2016 season. In total, he played a mere 21 games but picked up 15 total points. However, it’s not the point production that would be the reason for his demotion.
After the Flyers’ practice today, Sam Carchidi reports that Ghost “would agree to go on a conditioning stint with the Phantoms and thinks it would be beneficial.”
This season has been far from ideal for Gostibehere. He’s on pace to set yet another career-low for points and has been battling injuries. With Hagg’s stellar offensive and defensive play as of late, Gostisbehere has been relegated to the press box as a result. Nothing is definite, and the Flyers organization has not commented on this, but it wouldn’t be a bad idea on their end if Ghost is continuing to not play.
Fans are clamoring for him to be traded, but this was a mature comment for the 26-year-old to make. If the Flyers wind up keeping the d-man and doing this, it would only help both Ghost and the Phantoms lackluster defense.
Up Next
The Flyers wrap up their road trip against the Tampa Bay Lightning. As Philly looks to sneak their way into third place of the ultra-competitive Metropolitan Division, this is a huge game. Puck drop is slated for 4 p.m. in Tampa.
Mandatory Credit – © Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
