Fast start means gold-star grades for improving club
In these different times, report cards might not be what they once were but when it comes to the Flyers, we’re old-fashioned.
The first quarter of their season (14 games in the abbreviated 56-game campaign) ended with Thursday night’s game against the Rangers, so it’s time to hand out our grades for the Flyers’ play to date.
Players
James van Riemsdyk: Off to the fastest start of his career, leading the team in scoring. His deflection goals around the net are nothing short of uncanny. A+
Ivan Provorov: Never misses a game and plays nearly half of all the ones he does compete in. On current career path, will someday rank with Flyers defense legends Mark Howe and Eric Desjardins. A
Scott Laughton: Always a solid defensive player, recent hat trick and clutch goals show he’s a two-way threat. A
Joel Farabee: Heads into Sunday’s game tied with JVR for team lead in goals with seven. A
Philippe Myers: Picking up where he left off last year when he led the team in plus-minus (plus-17). Owns a great shot, needs to use it more. A
Brian Elliott: It’s not just what the goalie brings on the ice (3-1-0, 2.19 goals-against average, .929 save percentage) but what he brings off it as an excellent mentor for Carter Hart. A
Kevin Hayes: Has played an invaluable role in keeping the team “loose’’ (laughter) during the pandemic. On the ice, he might take a chance or two but those often pay off. B+ Carter Hart: While there have been ups and downs, he appears to be trending in right direction. Save percentage hovering around .900 and should be 10 to 15 points higher. B+ Travis Sanheim: Like they say, you can’t coach skating speed and skill. Has shown he can play with a variety of partners and improving on when to join the rush. B+ Claude Giroux: Only one goal through first 13 games a bit disappointing but continues to play well at both ends of rink. B
Travis Konecny: Started off fast with that hat trick in second game but has cooled since and was benched for a game. B
Michael Raffl: High hockey IQ. Tireless on penalty kill. He understands how an effective forecheck can have great impact. B
Robert Hagg: Continues to be a leader in blocked shots and hits. Never complains about being a platoon player. B
Jake Voracek: He’s always effective on the power play but should have more than three goals. Fiery leader who can fit in on any top line. B
Nolan Patrick: Considering he missed an entire season, he’s performed very well. Just staying healthy will be first priority; the rest should follow. C+
Oskar Lindblom: Pretty much the same as Patrick. Overcoming Ewing’s sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer, is quite remarkable.
He’s still working his way back to top level of fitness, strength, etc. C+
Connor Bunnaman: Versatile, plays with a physical edge and well-liked by teammates and coaches. C+
Justin Braun: Steady as they come. With Matt Niskanen retired, he’s a valuable mentor to a young defense corps. C
Shayne Gostisbehere: Coming off knee surgeries and a COVID-19 battle,“Ghost’’ is starting to show his old form. The trade rumors persist. C+
Nicolas Aube-Kubel: Probably would do more damage if he skated on a top line but his rugged style gives the Flyers a physical presence. C+
Erik Gustafsson: The former free-agent defenseman still getting accustomed to Flyers’ system. C
Coach
Alain Vigneault: Terrific motivator, pushes all the right buttons. Not shy about making players accountable. A