What we learned from the Flyers’ Rookie Series against Rangers

Despite the loss, game one of the Rookie Series at PPL Center in Allentown against the New York Rangers’ young talent was the more notable of the two contests. It was the first time that Philadelphia Flyers‘ 2023 first-round pick Matvei Michkov took the ice in a game. The coveted young prospect showed off some impressive speed and skills in his first game in orange and black.

Game two on the other hand did not feature Michkov, yet, some other Flyers’ prospects stood out in the team’s 3-2 victory. However, Flyers’ Rookie Series head coach Ian Laperriere was not thrilled with every aspect of his team in the win.

Laperriere wants to see more physicality from young players

The coach acknowledged that some of his players such as 2024 first-round pick Jett Luchanko played tough, but wanted to see more from some of is other guys. Jordan Hall of NBC Sports Philadelphia provided a quote from Laperriere on his team’s game two performance.

“We looked afraid tonight. I hate to say it. Some of the guys didn’t, that fourth line, they showed up physically. [Jett] Luchanko did, too. [Elliot Desnoyers] did, too. Other guys, they need to realize that it’s pro hockey and if they want to play for me or they want to play for the next guy above me, they’re going to have to be a little bit braver I guess.”

Even though the team came over with the overtime victory, the coaching staff did not see the same flare from the players that they saw on Friday night in game one of the series.

Solid performances from some top prospects

The winning overtime goal was a combination of work from three of the team’s exciting young players. Luchanko fed the puck to Emil Andrae who was able to find Samu Tuomaala who found the net for the sudden death victory.

Jun 28, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Jett Luchanko is selected by the Philadelphia Flyers with the 13th overall pick in the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft at The Sphere. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

After the game, Andrae spoke about his team’s performance. The 22-year-old defenseman seemed to echo his head coach’s sentiments.

“The first and second periods were a little bit so-so. I feel like in the third, we kind of took over as a team. I feel like I played better in the third and it was nice to set up Samu there for his goal. I had some bad shifts and some good shifts. Just learn from that and keep going.”

With a slew of young players in a talented system, some of these prospects could see time in Philadelphia sooner rather than later. With the team’s defensive picture pretty much set, Andrae is on the outside looking in, however, should any unforeseen circumstance occur, he could find himself as a replacement player.