The Philadelphia Flyers dropped their preseason finale to the New York Islanders in overtime, 4-3, owning a record of 1-4-1.
Again, the Flyers missed key players, offering younger players another chance to make a lasting impression on John Tortorella before the regular season.
In a losing effort, impressions were made. Some good. Some bad. There are eight days before the start of the regular season with more roster cuts approaching.
Here are some observations from last night’s overtime loss to the Islanders:
Tippett and Hayes
Philadelphia scored five goals in as many preseason games. Noah Cates, Kevin Hayes, and Owen Tippett made up the first line, and they were consistently buzzing. Tippett appeared in his fifth preseason game, finally lighting the lamp.
Hayes and Tippett found themselves on a two-on-one in the third period, and Hayes dished a crisp pass to the young winger who buried a one-timer into the back of the net.
Versus the Washington Capitals last Wednesday, the same play unfolded, but it was Tippett who set up Hayes. They’re building chemistry heading into the regular season, a great sign for the Flyers moving forward.
Ersson a serious 2G candidate?
Samuel Ersson stopped all shots he faced (15/15) before Troy Grosenick stepped in. Since the 2022 Rookie Camp Series versus the New York Rangers, Ersson continues to build his confidence. His road to recovery from his injuries is in the rearview mirror.
Before camp started, Felix Sandstrom was the clear favorite for the backup goaltender role. Ersson is tightly contesting for that opportunity.
“In the end, it’s [the] coach’s decision. All I can do is go out there and make it a tough decision for coach to not put me in there.”
Samuel Ersson; 10/4/2022
Grosenick was supposed to start, but Ersson got the call instead. He didn’t think too much about it. When the opportunity comes, he took the chance:
“I don’t really try to think of that too much because coach gets to make that decision of who gets to start in net. I will just take the chance anytime I get it.”
Samuel Ersson; 10/4/2022
Cam York
Cam York would rather forget about this performance. During the second period, Philadelphia went on a four-minute powerplay after Hayden Hodgson took a stick to the face. Nine seconds later, the Islanders scored a shorthanded goal.
York was one-on-one with Casey Cizikas, and Cizikas outmuscled him to give the Islanders a 2-1 lead.
In the third period, York was replaced by Travis Sanheim on the first powerplay unit. Later in the third, York wasn’t on either powerplay unit. Clearly, Tortorella was sending a message to the 21-year-old defenseman.
York mentioned that the powerplay chemistry during the preseason has been “okay,” considering the changes between players:
“It’s been okay. The units are switching a lot and you are out there with different guys every time. It’s a little bit of an adjustment each night, but I think it’s going alright. As the season progresses, it will continue to get better.”
Cam York; 10/4/2022
York was in a tough battle with Cizikas, but took the accountability. His progression in the preseason is okay, and Tortorella knows he can get more out of York. Though they do not communicate a ton, it isn’t out of the ordinary. Tortorella leaves his coaches, like Brad Shaw, to be more hands on in coaching the player skills on the ice.
“I talk more with Brad Shaw. I don’t communicate a ton with Tortorella, but I feel like my progression’s been okay. I want to take a few extra strides here.”
Cam York; 10/4/2022
Tortorella seemed to agree with York, that his performance was just “okay.” York has untapped ability keeping him from being a more well-rounded defenseman, and reaching the next level that would separate him from the rest of the pack.
“I just think there’s a lot there that Cam has. I just want him to offer it up a little bit more, to the team. I’m not sure sure where the road goes, but he’s just got so many different abilities that could be very positive to the team. We’ll see what happens as we go through.”
John Tortorella; 10/4/2022
Up Next
The Philadelphia Flyers will jump into the 2022-2023 regular season against the New Jersey Devils on October 13th, 2022, in South Philadelphia.
(Photo by Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire)
