The Flyers played on this road trip like they were playing last season.
The template, aggressive forecheck, hound the other team for 200 feet, roll 3 lines for about equal minutes.
They don't have enough talent to be a playoff team with this style without a few more players, but the template is set.
Sanheim is making a case for being a #1 D-man, playing big minutes and carrying the load.
Risto has been solid, but a little high in the lineup.
Andrae gets better each game, still making mistakes where he tries to do too much, but smooth skater, good passer, nice vision, shows no fear.
Drysdale has rocks for brains, he's got all the physical tools but he reminds me of TDA without the psychosis. See sheltered 3rd pair role in his future. Of course, Gauthier has 0 goals in 13 games.
Zamula is meh, depth guy, may get moved this summer.
Richard is showing what they already knew, he's a AAA plus guy. He's fast but smaller, lacks enough skill for top 9 and isn't really a NHL forechecker.
Farabee seems to have his mojo back, but so many chances.
Tippett is flying again and making things happen, 2 posts.
Brink is skating much better and starting to show his skill package.
Couts is an older version of himself, really a D first center who's best crashing the net on offense.
Frost is what he is, a 3C who can be carried by wings who open up space for him, but isn't a 2C who can drive a line and raise his linemates' play. Best with Tippett and TK, like last season.
Laughton's value has rebounded nicely and rebuilt his value. They'll move him either this TDL or next season after Luchanko has 60 games under his belt (and Laughton is a pending UFA).
Foerster - Couts - Michkov
Tippett - Frost - TK
Farabee - Laughton - Brink
should be your top 3 lines.
I think the reason they didn't bring up Lycksell is they don't see a role for him, not top 9 with this group, lacks speed.
I think they want to keep adding speed, especially the bottom six, if you can't score, raise hell.
Avon has speed but isn't ready, Tuomaala has speed but is still focused on offense, hasn't realized his ticket is 4th line forechecker, then work your way up the lineup, not good enough to be gifted a top 9 spot.