By now, it’s old news that the Flyers have been down some key regulars due to COVID-19 protocol over the past few games. When that happened, many thought the Flyers would have little chance of keeping their heads above the water. However, that left room for some of the younger players to step up and show everyone just what they can do. One person, in particular, was a star among the group, and that star is Joel Farabee.
Farabee, who just turned 21 on Thursday, has had a very strong start to the season. On opening night he had notched a goal and three assists, ending in a four-point night while he and the Flyers took a 6-3 win against the Penguins. After that, Farabee stayed pretty quiet. He was going on five games without any points until he scored a goal against the Devils.
From there the ball started rolling and he had the 3rd Flyers hat trick this year along with Travis Konecny and Scott Laughton. In the last nine games, he has 12 points, 6 goals, and 6 assists, and was on a four-game point streak until the first of two games against Buffalo.
When Farabee was paired with James van Riemsdyk and Scott Laughton, the line led the Flyers to victory in their game against the Washington Capitals. It seems to be that the young winger is shining with whoever he is paired with this season.
After a solid rookie year, there was an expected “Sophomore Slump”, but Farabee has come a long way since last season where he ended with 21 points, and has only gotten better with each game. He is currently second in goals scored for Flyers this season with 8, right behind JVR who has 10. Farabee is far from playing like a rookie and has really shown that in not just his scoring, but also in his defensive skills and vision that he is shaping up to be a key player for the Flyers.
Joel Farabee has proven himself as a force to be reckoned with before even turning 21. I am excited to see this young “rookie” continue to find the back of the net and shine in whatever line he is placed in. Here’s to being able to finally celebrate legally!
Photo Credit: Alex McIntyre
