Tomorrow night, the Philadelphia Flyers (17-20-5) host the Anaheim Ducks (17-19-5) in Game 43 of Philly’s NHL season. Last January, the Flyers acquired Jamie Drysdale and a second-round pick in the 2025 draft in exchange for the rights to sign the former top-5 draft choice Cutter Gauthier. When Philadelphia’s NHL schedule was announced this summer, many fans circled this January weekend to loudly meet and greet the former top 5 draft pick in truly Philly style.
On the other hand, John Tortorella wanted little part of the Cutter Gauthier discourse when asked about his return to Philadelphia and the anticipated fan’s reaction. “I’m not even in that conversation,” Tortorella said after practice at Flyers Training Center. “I think it’s just something to talk about before a game between Anaheim and Philly. Quite honestly, it has nothing to do with the game and will have nothing to do with the result.”
Flyers Lines in a Blender Tomorrow?
During last night’s 4-1 loss to Dallas, Tortorella tried different line combinations while searching for a spark against Dallas last night. Still, he never dismantled the Flyers’ most recently consistent line – the combo of Noah Cates, Bobby Brink, and Tyson Foerster. “I was toying with changing Catesy’s line,” Tortorella said. “I don’t want to go there. I’ve tried to stay patient with Frost (Morgan Frost) and Meesh (Michkov). It hasn’t worked for whatever reason. So, we’re going to try something different without breaking up Catesy’s line.”
Related: The Flyers endure their worst game of the Season in 4-1 Loss to Stars
Given Tortorella’s comments, nine Flyers forwards and three line combinations will be shuffled tomorrow like that flashy puck-themed, three-card monte animation on the large scoreboard during a stoppage in play. At least one Flyers player will be scratched tomorrow in favor of an AHL All-Star, 25-year-old Olle Lycksell. Tortorella has not ”totally locked in on” the final starting line combinations against Anaheim.
Olle Lycksell Will Play Second NHL Game This Season
Despite being recalled from the American Hockey League (AHL) on December 27 before the Flyers’ recent West Coast road trip, Olle Lycksell has not been selected to play by John Tortorella over the last few weeks. “We’re out west,” Tortorella said. “We had to bring him. Need an extra forward.” The Flyers bench boss said he could see Lycksell turning into a penalty killer at the NHL level. “I think he feels much more comfortable (in the NHL). So, yeah, he’s going to play. I look forward to seeing him play.”
Lycksell, 25, played one game for Philadelphia this season. He skated almost 11 minutes of ice time over 16 shifts on a 5-4 Flyers win over the Columbus Blue Jackets on December 21. The Swedish-born forward was selected to represent the Lehigh Valley Phantoms at the AHL All-Star Classic in Palm Springs, California, on February 2-3. In 25 AHL games this season, Lycksell has nine goals and 15 assists for 24 points, which is still tied for the team lead.
Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
