New line emerging for Flyers

Saturday, much like the Bruins, the Flyers trended toward robotic when Konecny wasn’t on the ice.

Konecny’s hustle during a line change set up the puck movement on first Flyers goal, Couturier on his knees wristing in a rebound of a Voracek backhander at 8:54.

In the second period, Konecny used his speed to set up a power play goal by Schenn giving the Flyers a 3-2 lead.

Konecny jumped through the crease, puck in tow but was unable to get a backhand on goal. The puck flew onto the stick of Schenn.

“I reached into my feet and it hit off my toe and my stick and bounced right back to him,” Konecny said. “I had some good bounces tonight. I guess if you’re working hard the pucks just really follow you around.” The not so good news was Konecny turned the puck over in the 3-on-3 overtime, necessitating Michal Neuvirth to make a save on Austin Czarnik’s breakaway. Neuvirth was sporting a mask with a silhouette of Ed Snider, the late owner of the Flyers.

Konecny didn’t help himself in the shootout, either, as he failed to get a shot on Bruins goalie Malcolm Subban, losing control of the puck. This is the time of year when prospects have to make it impossible for coaches and management to move on without them.

“I’m trying to as best as I can,” Konecny said. “I don’t know because I don’t know what they’re thinking. So I don’t know if I’m making it tough or not. But in my head I’m just trying to work hard and do whatever I can to stay as long as I can.”

Hakstol was measured in his remarks when asked about Konecny and 19-yearold rookie defenseman Ivan Provorov, who played sound hockey. Provorov split the Bruins with a pass that sent Jordan Weal in alone for a breakaway goal. Weal was the only Flyer to score in the shootout.

“There were ups and downs for our whole team,” Hakstol said. “It was a tough team game to really evaluate because it was a really sloppy game. And I think everybody had their hand in it the two young guys included.

“They, along with a lot of others in that room have pushed the envelope, are doing their jobs and are making the decision difficult.”

The breakaway Konecny allowed is one of those details Hakstol loathes. Before the game Hakstol indicated Konecny – who played well in his previous start - needed to put two complete games together.

“He has to keep building,” Hakstol said. “He has to keep going out and playing good, 200-foot hockey. It’s not just all about the offense. You have to play 200 feet at this level. He did that a couple of nights ago. Now he gets another good opportunity tonight to keep taking a step forward. It’s very competitive. But he’s done a good job. He’s earned his way into this game tonight and now he just has to go out and play with his instincts and also play with some detail in his game.”