Philadelphia Flyers: 5 Reasons to Enjoy Preseason Hockey
By Denise Mroz
As the final buzzer sounds to signal the end of a hockey season, fans immediately begin to ask, “Is it October yet?” But, what about September? Preseason hockey games provide anticipation and excitement, while announcing that the new season is upon us. It also provides hints as to how the upcoming season may progress.
Here are the top five reasons not to miss the Philadelphia Flyers preseason program.
Reason #5: Meet Dave Hakstol
Since the hire of head coach Dave Hakstol in May, Flyers fans began to wonder who is Dave Hakstol? What can be expected from a college coach making the leap to NHL head coach? Will he connect with the players? What system does he coach, and do we have the players to fit his system? Ron Hextall stated that it is far more relevant to the organization that Hakstol was a successful head coach with much more experience and accolades, than having previous NHL involvement. Hakstol was hired because of his philosophy and efforts of working with young players. Preseason is the perfect chance for fans to observe if he is the change that will lead to success.
Reason #4: What Did Your Favorite Players Do All Summer?
During the off-season players spend time conditioning, getting stronger, becoming faster, and practicing their skills. Preseason is a great time for fans to take notice of such improvements and determine the dedication of players. Take notice of your favorite players during the preseason.
Reason #3: Who Makes the Team
One of the biggest pleasures of preseason is predicting which players will make the team. Goaltending, this year is of particular interest, with new goalies, Jason Labarbera and Michal Neuvirth battling for the number two spot behind Steve Mason.
Philadelphia has many talented prospects. There is sure to be much competition to make the cut. Hextall claims that if a player is not ready for the NHL ice, he is not ready to play. Training camp is a time for fans to watch prospects play among experienced NHL players and compare their abilities to decide who they would choose.
Key Players to Watch: Ivan Provorov, Shayne Gostisbehere, Taylor Leier, Yevgeni Medvedev, Gudas Radko, Samuel Morin, Travis Sanheim
Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Reason #2: Line Formations
A prevalent item of discussion, as the approach of hockey season starts, is line formation. How will the team be organized? What is Hakstol going to do? Will he keep consistency among the lines? This is something to be aware of watching preseason games. Which players have chemistry together? Fans have so many predictions of what they feel is best. Will Michael Raffl stay on the first line with Claude Giroux and Jakub Voracek? Where will Brayden Schenn play? Center or wing? Will he play along the side of Wayne Simmonds? Are Sean Couturier and Matt Read remaining together on the third line with R.J. Umberger on the wing? What a powerful fourth line Chris Vandevelde, Ryan White, and Pierre-Edouard Bellemare would make. Where does Simon Gagner fit? What will be Vinny Lecavalier’s fate?
And what about defensive pairings? This will be very interesting to watch during preseason because there are so many options. Michael Del Zotto will be paired with Yevgeni Medvedev or Andrew MacDonald. Can Luke Schenn capitalize with Mark Streit? Will Andrew MacDonald rev it up this year? It will be interesting to watch these vets on the ice with such young talent such as Ivan Provorov, Brandon Manning, Sam Morin, Robert Hagg, Travis Sanheim, and Shayne Gostisbehere.
So many choices. What will Hakstol determine is best for the team?
Reason #1: Why Wouldn’t We Watch? Regular Season is Right Around the Corner!
With all this questioning and decision-making how could fans not tune in to watch preseason hockey? Preseason comes with enthusiasm and to die-hard hockey fans it marks a reason to celebrate. So pull out your favorite hockey jersey, wear it along with your lucky hat, and get pumped. Hockey season is about to begin!
Next: Hextall Will Give Young Defensive Prospects a Chance