In a lost season, the Philadelphia Flyers’ youth movement has certainly been fun to watch, giving hope for better days to come. Many young prospects made their Flyers debuts this season, making impacts. Of those many, these three skaters stand out the most.
The Kids Line
Noah Cates, Morgan Frost, and Owen Tippett have found something special together on the third-line. The trio made their line debut last Thursday against the Canadiens and have looked confident and relaxed since.
The Flyers snapped a six-game losing streak against the Habs thanks to help from these three. Cates dished out a sweet pass to Frost which beat goaltender Carey Price, ending a five-game skid without a point for Frost. Tippett registered two shots on goal and helped generate offense.
In what was an all-around solid team effort from the Flyers, it was noticeable that something special was brewing between Cates, Frost, and Tippett.
Fearless Against the Penguins
Mike Yeo was happy with how the trio played against the Habs. He decided to keep them together against on Sunday versus the Penguins, and they shined.
Yeo mentioned that he didn’t want the young trio to be scared of making mistakes while going up against players like Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Instead of being discouraged and succumbing to an accomplished Penguins team with multiple Stanley Cup Champions in the lineup, the kids controlled the game from start to finish.
They dominated the offensive zone in the first period. Frost was the one to get the Flyers on the scoreboard first.
A shot from Ronnie Attard at the point put goaltender Louis Domingue under pressure. Tippett and Frost both had opportunities from the rebounds, and it was Frost who got the good end of the deal.
The offensive control continued into the second period when Cates tipped a shot from Keith Yandle to make it 2-0. Frost was the main playmaker, setting up Yandle for a one-timer off the boards while on his knees.
Cates then added his second goal of the day in the third period. Setting himself up in front of the net to tip a shot from Ivan Provorov, beating Domingue again.
Cates was a factor in three of the four goals. He finished the day with two goals, one assist, and six shots on goal. Frost finished with one goal, one assist, and three shots on goal. Tippett ended the day with one assist and five shots on goal. A dominant day from the kids again, and it was back-to-back wins for the Flyers.
Mentality Changes
These three players were in all parts of the lineup with different line-mates more than once in the recent weeks. The main reason why they’re performing like they are now is because of one thing: no intimidation.
Yeo mentioned that young players can feel intimidated when slotted next to older ones because they fear making mistakes. However, with this current line, that is no longer the problem.
“We’re all a little younger and trying to make a mark in the league. I think that adds hunger and I really like playing with them.”
Morgan Frost; 4/24/2022
Tippett and Cates are both 23-years-old with Frost turning the same age next month. Frost is the youngest of the trio, but has seen the most games as a Flyer. All three players look more confident than ever, showing their worth. They’re finding it easy to communicate, which makes the synergy between the line smoother.
Cates has made an instant impact since joining the Flyers last month. Frost has struggled during many parts of the season due to confidence issues, but he’s been finding the swagger he had in his junior career since being slotted between Tippett and Cates. Tippett has also been impressive since being traded to the Flyers. His point totals may not show it, but his ability to shoot the puck, move the puck with his speed and size, and generate play in the offensive zone does not go unnoticed. He continues to look more poised during every game played.
It looks like the Flyers have found a new line to roll with while in their final week of the season.
(AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
