Vigneault confident of a successful return to Flyers
Idled by shutdown, Flyers prepare for eventual return
The Flyers won nine of their last 10 games, 10 of their last 12, 16 of their last 21 and status as realistic contenders for the Stanley Cup.
Alain Vigneault, who helped start the process, is convinced he can complete it whenever the NHL resumes after breaking to help flatten the coronavirus curve.
“That’s going to be our challenge, obviously,” the Flyers’ coach said Wednesday, on a conference call with writers. “There’s no doubt that we were playing our best hockey of the season at the time. I don’t think we can go into this showing any signs of emotional frustration. With the world being put on pause and with what people are going through right now, we can help them by doing the best job that we can as far as playing on the ice.
“We’ll be exactly like everybody else. We’ll have the same amount of time. Our team was in a good place. It will be all our jobs, from coaches to management to players, to get back to that good spot that we were in.”
That is the essence of the NHL stoppage, that it provides no benefits to any team above the rest. Camped at his home in Gatineau, Quebec, Vigneault receives regular emails from the NHL, explaining the plans for and challenges associated with a return.
While Vigneault was uncertain of a return date or what the season will look like when restrictions are lifted, his belief trended toward the likelihood of a two-week training camp leading into whatever would come next.
“I have been talking with my staff and we’ve been going through all the possible scenarios,” Vigneault said. “I believe that if we get a good two weeks, we’ll be fine. Everybody will be in the same position. We’ll be out for the same amount of time. We’ll be like everybody else. My staff has a lot of experience.
“This is obviously something different, but we have a lot of experience. I am very confident that we can get something together that’s going to be very efficient for the players, very efficient to get our team ready. Hopefully that’s what happens.”
When the season returns, the Flyers will be in second place in the Metropolitan Division, a point behind the Capitals. Technically, there will be 13 regular-season games to play, though it is more likely the league will push right into the postseason.
Either way, coaching will matter, and likely more than usual.
“I have felt since Day 1, and it was one of our goals, that teams have to continue to improve during the season,” Vigneault said. “You have to get better. I believe that’s what we were doing in all aspects of our game, our five-on-five play, our special-teams play, our defensive play and offensive play. We were getting better individually and getting better as a group. That enables you to get a chance, to get into the playoffs and have a chance to compete for the Stanley Cup.
“That was our goal coming into the season. That goal hasn’t changed. Obviously there’s different components and a different dynamic at this time.”
Vigneault is the son of a physician. His sister is in the health field. And he said his girlfriend is an emergency nurse in Ottawa, close to Gatineau. He believes the NHL, and sports in general, can help with any healing process when the virus bans are eased.
“We’re all staying at home and trying to do the right things not to spread the virus,” he said. “If we can help in any other way, that’s what I’ve been trying to do. I’m sure that’s what everyone’s been trying to do.”
The extended NHL pause has given Nolan Patrick, who has missed the entire season, additional time to recover from his chronic headache issues. Also, reports are that Oskar Lindblom has completed cancer treatments and has maintained some high measure of conditioning.
“I know (Patrick) has been in daily contact with (Flyers trainer) Jimmy (McCrossin),” Vigneault said. “I’m getting reports that he is working out. As far as where he is, it’s hard to say. There’s no doctors and Jimmy hasn’t really had the chance to see him face to face. My understanding is that he is working out, just like Oskar is working out. His treatments are doing well. I’m texting him more on a regular basis in the beginning.
“We’ll have some news when the season starts again.”
The Flyers signed right wing Linus Sandin, 23, to a one-year entry-level contract. He had 19 goals and 17 assists 51 Swedish Hockey League games this season.
“We are happy to have Linus under contract for next season,” general manager Chuck Fletcher said. “Our scouting staff has done an excellent job identifying him as a player who can come into camp and compete for a spot on our team right away. He works extremely hard and we expect him to add size, skill and tenacity to our forward group.”
Sandin is 6-1 and 209 pounds. His brother, Rasmus Sandin, 20, is a Maple Leafs defenseman.
The contract will be in place for the 20202021 season.