The Philadelphia Flyers hit the ice after an off day following their weekend loss to the Vancouver Canucks. Scott Laughton was absent from practice today, which meant some lines changed:
Forwards:
Forester-Frost-Konecny
Tippett-Poehling- Michkov
Farabee- Couturier-Brink
Deslauriers-Cates- Hathaway
*Luchanko
Defense:
York-Sanheim
Seeler- Drysdale
Zamula- Ristolainen
*Johnson
Goalies:
Ersson
Fedotov
Flyers practice recap
John Tortorella confirmed that Sam Ersson would start in the net against the Capitals tomorrow night. The Capitals were in Vorhees today, practicing ahead of the Flyers’ practice. Tomorrow’s game is one of the NHL’s Frozen Frenzy, which all 32 teams will play, hence the 6 p.m. puck drop.
At practice today, Nick Seeler was back on the ice after missing the season’s first five games. Seeler confirmed that this was his first full practice back. He said he felt good and was taped up on his foot/ankle. Tortorella also confirmed that he’s missed Seeler’s presence on the ice.
Seeler being paired up with Drysdale should add more momentum on the defensive end, as both were paired during training camp. The question surrounding Seeler looming is how he will respond to blocking shots. Luckily, since Seeler will make his season debut tomorrow, those questions will be put to rest soon enough.
Another ample practice moment was Hathaway plowing into the boards. He was shaken and slow to get up, but was able to get back on his feet and continue with practice.
Turning on the Jetts
Jett Luchanko currently looks to be the player who will sit out tomorrow night’s game. However, the rookie has played four games so far. When asked about the experience, he explained, “It’s been great. It’s very cool being amongst these players and these guys to see what happens behind the scenes. The way I appreciate it, nothing changes for me. I need to come in every day and work hard.”
As Luchanko’s future is unknown for the season with the possibility of him being sent back to the Gulf Storm after he plays nine games, the forward shared how he feels about this process: “It’s one day at a time. Right now, I’m happy to be here. I will work my hardest, and good things will come from that. It’s a day-to-day mindset.”
In the concluding practice, Luchanko and Michkov were on the ice together, shooting around. With the two rookies spending time together, Luchanko said, “It’s nice to have another young guy around my age. He’s a really good player and a great person.”
Bobby on the Brink of a breakout:
Bobby Brink is one of the more underrated players on this Flyers team, but he has been playing good hockey, with one goal and three assists in the last five games.
“I think trying hard and doing some good things. I’m just trying to build off these five games here. I will do my best to help on both ends of the rink,” Brink shared.
There was a disconnect with the Flyers getting shut out during their home opener. Brink explained, “We’ve done some good things and had some moments taken away. I think we’re on the right track and must keep building as a team.”
One of the more significant worries whenever a team isn’t connecting on ice is the locker room, which Brink commented on, “We have a tight group in here (locker room) and guys like each other and guys like showing up to the rink. Everyone has fun together. I think one of our biggest strengths as a team is how tight the room is.”
