The Philadelphia Flyers closed out their 2023 Rookie Camp series versus the New York Rangers last night. Unsuccessful in a 4-2 loss on Friday, the Flyers fell again at the PPL Center, 3-1, to the Rangers.
Before the 5:05 faceoff on Saturday, Daniel Briere stated that JR Avon would miss the remainder of the 2023 Flyers Rookie Camp and Training Camp with a PCL sprain in his left knee. Avon wasn’t present on the ice in the first two days of the 2023 Flyers Rookie Camp. He is expected to miss the next 4-6 weeks.
Flyers Rookie Game 2: Lineup
Gendron-Desnoyers-Brink
Brown-Barkey-Foerster
Ciernik-Furry-Tuomaala
Fauchon-Gaucher-Wisdom
Andrae-Grans
Zmolek-Sedley
Millman-Mann
Bjarnason
(Maier)
Game Recap
Capitalizing on a slow start from the Flyers, the Rangers dictated possession and pace. The line featuring Alexis Gendron, Elliot Desnoyers, and Bobby Brink were trapped in the defensive zone. Taking advantage of a poor line change, the Rangers quickly transitioned into the offensive zone, where Luke McNamara beat Carson Bjarnason on a wraparound, 1-0, with 17:46 remaining.
Later in the period, Bobby Trivigno extended the lead, 2-0, with 2:43 remaining in the first period. Matteo Mann was loose with gap control on an offensive zone entry when Trivigno received a drop pass to pick his spot, blocker side on Bjarnason.
In the second period, Zayde Wisdom put the Flyers onto the scoreboard. The scoring play began with Matt Brown dishing to Denver Barkey with speed. Barkey found Wisdom point-blank versus Talyn Boyko, cutting the deficit to 2-1 with 2:33 remaining in the second period.
“Most of my summer was spent in Voorhees with the trainers. I was putting my head down, put the work in, and now it’s time to cash out.”
Zayde Wisdom; 9/16/2023
Twice, Barkey and Wisdom stood out in the 2023 Flyers Rookie Camp versus the Rangers. Barkey combines his speed and creativity with the puck, resulting in two assists. Wisdom is accelerating toward what could be a crucial season for him with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. Ian Laperriere commended Wisdom:
“He’s [Wisdom] focused to make our team. So far, he’s been our best player right now. There’s other guys that need to be better, and Wis is not one of them. He’s been great since day one, and good for him.”
Ian Laperriere; 9/16/2023
During the final minutes of the third period, the Flyers were on the powerplay, but Tyson Foerster cut the man-advantage short. He found himself in the penalty box as Philadelphia hunted for a much-needed equalizer. In the four-on-four scenario, Sam Sedley turned over the puck to Trivigno, who put the game out of reach, scoring on a breakaway, 3-1, with :32 remaining in regulation.
Rookie Camp Resumes
Despite a sweep by the Rangers, the 2023 Rookie Camp series brought valuable experience to many Flyers prospects hoping to make waves as the future of the organization.
Emil Andrae and Helge Grans meshed, exhibiting solid chemistry. They’ll likely play together in Lehigh Valley for a healthy chunk of the 2023-2024 season and could receive stints in the NHL with the Flyers.
As the 2023 Rookie Camp continues with the Flyers Training Camp looming, prospects and players eager to jump to the NHL will continue to make their impression on the front office and coaching staff.
(Photo by Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire)
