Recap: Five Days Of Flyers Training Camp Leads To Getting Shutout 6-0 By Devils
The Flyers endured five days of training camp before heading into their first preseason game. Despite falling to the New Jersey Devils 6-0 last night, training camp has shown improvements within the team.
On the first day of camp, Owen Tippett stated what head coach John Tortorella’s message was: “If you think you have a spot, don’t get too comfortable.” Training camp thus far has lived up to what Tortorella told the candidates. Notably, if Tortorella doesn’t like what he sees, he will make it very known. After a scrimmage on day two, Tortorella said, “I thought the first group was good, but the second, they sucked.” Jumping into scrimmaging right away isn’t usually how Flyers’ training camp goes, but this season is all about enforcing changes that will eventually lead to a better hockey team. “We’ve changed camp here a little bit. We still get our conditioning. I wanted to see more game action. There’s a number of people that Danny (Briere) and I have talked about in these exhibition games,” Tortorella explained. This new camp format has been able to weed out the players who might need more time developing.
Flyers’ rookies Oliver Bonk, Emil Andrae, Denver Barkey, Zayde Wisdom, Alex Ciernik, Samu Tuomaala, Adam Ginning, and Helge Grans all got praise from GM Danny Briere. Defenseman Emil Andrae has been a standout throughout camp. The now 21-year-old was the 54th overall draft pick in the 2020 draft. He has an impressive work mentality, as he missed a shot on the net and did five pushups. Andrae played professionally in Sweden and credited his time playing there to his work ethic. He is the type of player who would fit in well under Tortorella with the discipline he shows on the ice.
This off-season, the Flyers signed Ryan Poehling, who was a free agent after spending a season with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Poehling was brought to Philadelphia to help with the penalty kill, and the center has been another bright spot at camp. Another new face in Philadelphia is Garnet Hathaway. The right winger, formally on the Bruins the previous season, has impressed many with his rugged play style. Tortorella believes he will be a good leader and example to the younger players.
Unlike training camp, last night’s first preseason game told a different story. The lineup mainly consisted of rookies and younger players who spent most of their time on the Flyers’ AHL team, Phantoms, last season. While a handful of veterans played, it wasn’t enough to stop the talent-filled Devils.
Flyers preseason game roster @ NJD pic.twitter.com/sj71AhNOvF
— Haley Taylor Simon (@Haleytsimon) September 25, 2023
Notably, Sean Couturier returned to the ice after facing injury in 2021. During the year-and-a-half absence, Couturier endured two back surgeries. Luckily, he played like he missed no time, which was a concern after being out for as long as he was.
You love to see it. 👏
— NHL (@NHL) September 25, 2023
Sean Couturier's playing his first game tonight since December 18, 2021, a span of 646 days. pic.twitter.com/Fa6Q0h8XV0
Starting in the net last night was Cal Peterson, who the Flyers got in a trade with the LA Kings. He didn’t have the best game, but he kept his composer. It was an uphill battle, as the Flyers’ defense could not stop the Devils from getting to the net. Later in the game, Felix Sandstrom took over, only letting in one goal. While getting shutout isn’t ideal, it allows adjustments for Wednesday’s preseason game in Long Island. Although the lineup included most players who will return to their respective development teams- it allows them to get a feel for what playing in the NHL is like, such as Oliver Bonk.
The Flyers have an off day today, Tuesday, and will return to training camp Wednesday.
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