A lot happened over the weekend with the Philadelphia Flyers.
For starters, we celebrated 50 years of Lou Nolan! The legendary public address announcer was nearly inducted into the franchise Hall of Fame earlier this season.
Following the celebration, the Flyers hosted the Anaheim Ducks. An abysmal second period soured an early two-goal lead. Anthony Stolarz, Derek Grant, and Gerry Mayhew were active in the victory against a shared former ally. Ronnie Attard scored his first career NHL goal in the 5-3 loss.
When you look at the big picture, the weekend wasn’t bad for Philadelphia. Yes, they lost, but that helps the odds for the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. Bobby Brink, 2021-2022 NCAA champion and scoring champion with the University of Denver, signed an entry-level contract with the Flyers.
Sweet Lou (+)
“Before we introduce your family, I just want you to know, it took two of us to replace what you do on your own, and we aren’t coming close.”
Steve Coates and Jim Jackson; 4/9/22
If you think of the words “Peco powerplay,” you’ll only be able to hear it in Lou Nolan’s voice. His sound is synonymous with the Philadelphia Flyers. Throughout his ongoing career, Lou was on the call for many legendary players/figures:
- Dave Schultz
- Dave Poulin
- John LeClair
- Bernie Parent
- Lauren Hart
- Eric Lindros
- Bob Kelly
- …anyone since 1972-1973
Lou kept his speech short and sweet. He thanked everyone in the Flyers organization, his wife for putting up with him working the late shifts for these games, and every Philadelphia fan. His support from his family allowed him to grace the Flyers fanbase with his passion. For that, Philadelphia thanks you, the Nolan’s.
Travis Sanheim (+)
“I think that Travis creates more offense when he’s playing his defensive game. Not just him, to be honest with you. Provy’s the same way.”
Mike Yeo; 4/9/22
Travis Sanheim is benefiting from being a true two-way defenseman. As Yeo said, his defense creates offense. It allows him to get deep into the offensive rush, and his positioning allows him to be ready to jump the puck.
Lately, Ivan Provorov looks a lot better. He’s averaging a point per game, besting Sanheim in point production over the last five games.
Both defensemen rank within the top ten of team scoring. Sanheim is on the cusp of the top five. Overall, Sanheim has the better offensive and defensive game while being more careful with the puck in 2021-2022. It begs the question ahead of 2022-2023: should Sanheim become the 1LD?
Ronnie Attard (+)
Remember when York debuted in 2020-2021. How did you feel about his first stint? The way he moved the puck in transition was a breath of fresh air. As advertised, he was an offensive defenseman who could quarterback a powerplay.
Attard displayed his booming shot and has shown glimpses of good defensive habits. He earned his first NHL point against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
“I think Ronnie continues to grow and get better every game. I think that he is doing a lot of good things.”
Mike Yeo; 4/9/22
We all appreciate York, especially for stepping up to the first pair with Provorov. However, Attard is off to a hotter start in 2021-2022 on a worse team. It’s the intrasquad competition on defense the Philadelphia Flyers should promote. Both prospects are on the road to positively affecting the team.
“This past week, I’ve learned so much from the players and coaching staff. Everyone’s done a really good job and I’m continuing to learn. Starting to feel more comfortable each game.”
Ronnie Attard; 4/9/22
Comparing the first three starts of the two defensemen, York managed a 44.5%CF while Attard notched an assist with a 51.2%CF.
Frost, Flyers Inconsistent vs. ANA (-)
Even strength hockey presents inconsistencies for Morgan Frost. While he currently is on a two-game point streak, the finer details tell a bigger story. Mike Yeo mentioned as much following the loss to the Anaheim Ducks:
“I think that Frosty kind of mirrored the rest of our team, to be honest with you.”
Mike Yeo; 4/9/2022
In the first period, the Philadelphia Flyers were buzzing, and Frost had the primary assist on Sanheim’s goal. Then, in the second period, everyone fell off, including Frost.
“I think we just kind of came out flat, maybe got a little complacent with how well we were playing in the first period.”
Morgan Frost; 4/9/22
It’s a recurring theme in the 72nd game of the season. The Flyers are a 2022 NHL Draft lottery team, and they felt complacent with a 2-0 lead, the worst to have in hockey. Philadelphia doesn’t win many close duels in the final stages of regulation. When you hear Yeo and other players talk about needing to “learn how to win,” and then you hear Frost say the team “felt complacent,” the truth becomes that this team isn’t learning lessons.
Bobby Brink Signs ELC (+)
After winning the NCAA championship and leading the country in scoring with the University of Denver, Brink joined the Flyers in practice today. Early reports have Brink sharing a line with Travis Konecny and Scott Laughton. He’ll make his debut against the Washington Capitals tomorrow night. Brink will make his home debut against the New York Rangers.
“Winning the National Championship was really special, and then to come here is really cool as well. It’s a really good time.”
Bobby Brink; 4/11/22
Brink could be the latest piece to find chemistry with critical cogs of the current offense. Noah Cates, Owen Tippett, Hayden Hodgson, Isaac Ratcliffe, and Frost already left a positive impression with Yeo in 2021-2022.
(Photo by Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire)
