Five Flyers Observations : Flyers New Mascot Receives Philadelphia Welcome


On the day the Flyers new mascot, Gritty, was unveiled, the Flyers went south. A young Bruins team, some would say their possible minor league team, the Providence Bruins, came in and dominated the Flyers.




After a dismal start which saw the Bruins score twice in the 1st, the Flyers came out rocking and roaring in the 2nd. However, the Bruins would benefit from it and score a short-handed goal.

 

The Bruins would add a goal to start the 3rd period. But, the Flyers would start their comeback. The Flyers scored 3 goals in a matter of 4 minutes midway through the 3rd to cut the deficit to 4-3. But, the game would end 4-3.

 

Not a great night to start the Flyers new mascot, Gritty, era in Philadelphia.

 

Here are 4 more observations from the Flyers 4-3 loss to the Bruins…




Philippe Myers

One person that deserves to be on the Flyers opening night roster is Philippe Myers. Myers, who has been impressive in camp, was paired with Robert Hagg tonight in what could be the Flyers 2nd defense pair.

 

After the Provorov and Gostisbehere pairing, the Flyers are in need of another two solid pairings. At the moment, those 4 spots are still up in the air. One person who is getting every chance possible is Philippe Myers.

 

Tonight, Myers and Hagg were a very solid pairing. Both were great defensively and also on the occasional offensive rush. But, it was their position and coverage that really stood out.

 

No matter which one it was, they both knew when you jump into the rush or hold back. Something Myers needed to work on to possibly make the team. In any case, if Myers makes the team, it will because of his strong and impressive camp.



The New Bumble Bees?

If you remember last years pre-season, then Flyers 4th line, Leier-Laughton-Raffl, were deemed the bumble bees because of their jersey colors and their fast pace play. Not to be mistake for the name, that line was the best Flyers line to start the season behind the 1st line.

 

They would bring energy and grit on a night in and night out basis. But, after a slow November, they were split up. However, could 2/3 of that line be forming a sequel to that line this pre-season?

 

Well, the Laughton-Knight-Raffl line, used tonight, is on their way to doing just that. Camp surprise, Corban Knight, has found a home on the Flyers 4th line because of his impressive camp. But, Knight brings more than just great 5v5 play to the Flyers.

 

Knight also will provide a boost to the Flyers always struggling penalty kill. Corban Knight is a penalty kill specialist and showed that off in his time with the Phantoms and it was on display tonight.

 

If this line can produce on the score sheet better than the bumble bees from last year, the Flyers will have one of the leagues deepest line combinations.




Goal-Tending May Now Be An Issue

With Michal Neuvirth already hurt and Alex Lyon out for at least a month, the Flyers are having to rely on their old veteran starter Brian Elliott.  Elliott, who is coming off off-season surgery, started his first game of the pre-season tonight. And, well, it could have went a lot better.

 

Elliott looked rusty, slow, and struggled all night with rebound control. It was a night to forgot in Elliott’s pre-season debut. Elliott allowed two goals on wrist shots from the point that were very stoppable.

 

You can not worry too much about this because it was his first game back. However, Elliott’s one big problem from last season was tracking the puck. He did not do that well tonight. If this continues, the Flyers might have to make a move to find a goalie or allow Carter Hart to give it a go.




Meet Gritty

Yes. After not having a mascot for the last 52 years, the Flyers got a mascot. And, well, the Philadelphia faithful let their opinion be heard on how they view Gritty.

 

From the start, Gritty was not well received. During his first visit to the jumbo-tron, Gritty was met with a few boos. But, the next time Gritty came out, the boos got louder.

Then, to cap off his night, Gritty tried to dance his way into the Flyers faithful hearts. Well, you listen for when gritty was on the jumbo-tron…



Not a great start for the Flyers new mascot.

 

Result : Flyers 3 – Bruins 4 , LOSS

Record : 3 – 2 – 1

Next Game : 9/27 New York Rangers, Philadelphia PA 7:00pm



By Brandon Sommermann | September 24, 2018