York makes ‘smooth’ debut in win over Caps
The Cam York Experience began Friday in Washington, coincidentally the site of the COVID outbreak that helped turn a promising Flyers season into a series of cameos for the younger set.
Almost lost in the Flyers’ 4-2 victory over the Capitals at Capital One Arena was the debut of a young defenseman the organization is counting on to lead them back into the light.
Flyers coach Alain Vigneault immediately threw cold water on the hype surrounding the 20-yearold York, insisting a larger, more rigorous test period was needed than the “meaningless” remainder of the schedule.
“It’s a small sample size and it’s good experience for him,” Vigneault said. “I will say though, that I don’t put a lot of stock into if a player in these games has a real good showing or a bad show
ing. Our games for a while here in the standings have been meaningless. They don’t mean very much. So, I’ve always thought and felt that you don’t put a lot of stock in these games.”
Paired with 34-yearold Justin Braun, York had a good showing. He played seven solid minutes in the first period, collecting a takeaway. In the second period, York drew a penalty and saw his first shift on the power play with a shot on goal.
On the evening, York played 21 mostly mistakefree minutes. Even Vigneault appreciated that.
“You could tell right from the beginning that the young man is a very good skater, smooth on his feet,” Vigneault said. “Had the ability tonight to beat the first forechecker and make a good pass. So, good for him. It’s just one game there but good for our team.”
Before the game, York kidded a club spokesman that he would “probably score a hat trick. Maybe a couple of assists or something.”
But York quickly added, “No, just play my game.
“Have fun,” he said. “It’s just another game for me and I’m just really excited to be out there.”
York’s parents flew in from California to watch, which was “really special for me,” and hopes to spend tie with them at the team hotel.
There the Yorks will discuss what made Cam’s debut so fascinating. York said the size, speed and strength of the Caps made the fourth line seem like a first line.
“They were making plays that you’re just not really used to seeing,” York said. “That’s a little bit of an adjustment for me. But it was just another hockey game. It was really fun to be out there and help the guys get a W.”
These weren’t exactly the first-place Capitals, certainly not the outfit that had beaten the Flyers five straight times. The Caps were without superstar Alex Ovechkin (lower body), among other contributors.
These weren’t the same Flyers that defeated the Caps, 7-4, on Feb. 7, in an 8-3-2 start, then were shut down for 10 days due to COVID. Since then, the Flyers are 16-20-5, winning just 11 of the last 34 games over two months.
The Flyers are hopeful that York’s skating, attack skills, instincts and vision will pay off. The youngster plays with a purpose, his head up, his eyes seeing everything. The skillset is there.
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Few Flyers understood what York was dealing with more than rookie winger Wade Allison, who made his debut less than a month ago.
Allison said there was so much going on that he had to pause his life.
“My phone was blowing up in my pocket,” Allison said. “I turned it on silent and just tried to enjoy the moment. I was incredibly nervous. I just tried to soak it all in and enjoy the moment because you only get to that once. It’s been really cool.”
Allison didn’t score in his debut but in a dozen games, he has four goals, including two Friday.
The new blood on the team has injected energy into the lineup.
“Congrats to him,” Allison said, nodding toward York at the interview table, two of six players to make their NHL debuts this year. “This is the first of a long career. He’s a really special player. We’ve got a good amount of young guys in the locker room. We’re just working hard, trying to do the best we can.”
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NOTES >> Goalie Brian Elliott stopped 28 shots for the Flyers … Joel Farabee was credited with his 18th goal when Caps goalie Vitek Vanacek accidentally kicked it in his own goal in the first period. Farabee leads the Flyers in goals … … Kevin Hayes assisted on Farabee’s goal to start the scoring, giving him 299 career points.