For the first time since Superbowl Sunday, the Philadelphia Flyers defeat the Washington Capitals as Cam York makes his NHL debut.
Pushing the pace of a game and taking an early lead, is that the Philadelphia Flyers?
Tonight, the Flyers found a new gear against the Washington Capitals. Philadelphia earned a big win, keeping the Capitals away from leading the Mass Mutual Eastern Division. With two games remaining, the Flyers could be on the path to piecing together their future.
Young forwards kept Philadelphia ahead of Washington throughout regulation. Joel Farabee got the Flyers on the board first, cleaning up a rebound at the crease against Vitek Vanecek. Wade Allison scored two, including the go-ahead goal. With the lead late in the game, Sean Couturier potted an empty-net goal to secure the victory. The final from the Capital One Arena featured a 4-2 Philadelphia conquering.
Many of the Flyers’ losing traits were adopted by the Capitals tonight. They played a passive game, allowing Philadelphia to use speed to gain offensive pressure. Allison made the most of his opportunities set up by Oskar Lindblom and Philippe Myers. In conjuring offensive possession, the Flyers didn’t leave their defense out to dry against the NHL’s second-most potent offense.
Cam York looked great in his NHL debut. Even more impressive is Brian Elliott, who could make a case to extend his NHL career into 2021-2022.
Evaluating Cam York
It means a lot when the locker room veteran says Cam York is smart with the puck. Veteran and rookie players alike felt the impression left by York in tonight’s victory. Wade Allison joined Brian Elliott in praise, calling him a “special” player.
“It’s the first of a long career. This guy is going to play a lot of games. You can tell from tonight that he’s a really special player.”
Wade Allison; 5/7/21
York mentioned that the fourth-line forwards were making plays he expected from the first-line. That is the difference between the AHL to the NHL. The talent and strength of the entire forward lineup of teams are vastly superior. The Philadelphia Flyers may have an ace up their sleeve with York, who seemingly adjusted with ease in his debut.
Alongside Justin Braun, York excelled. Sticking York with a veteran was the best way to transition him into the NHL lineup. York stressed the crucial communication Braun initiates on the ice. Without a veteran presence, tonight would have been difficult for the rookie defenseman. In a final couple of games remaining, York can only improve.
Up against an offensive group like the Washington Capitals, York found himself in a trial-by-fire situation. Did the pressure he faced turn him into a diamond?
The Flyers organization hopes they found their next ace defenseman, especially when superstars at that position could be costly in a flat-cap era following the NHL expansion draft.
Photo Credit: Alex McIntyre
