Philadelphia Flyers Buzz: World Cup Practice is Over
By Marc Naples
The Philadelphia Flyers players participating in the World Cup got their last warmup action yesterday before the tournament starts in earnest this weekend
North America vs the Czech Republic
The big game for Philadelphia Flyers fans yesterday was the Czech Republic vs North America (U-23), featuring Shayne Gostisbehere, Sean Couturier, Jakub Voracek and Michal Neuvirth.
Perhaps the biggest news from the game was Neuvirth in net. In an open battle with Petr Mrazek for #1 duties in the World Cup, Neuvirth was given the start in today’s final match. Neuvirth look very sharp, stopping all 25 shots seen. Mrazek played the final half of the game, but it appears Neuvirth will be the guy this weekend.
The closest any North American player came to beating Neuvirth was when Ghost pinged the crossbar on a power play one-timer. Ghost kept at it, eventually scoring a goal to spark a North America comeback in the 3rd period.
Ghost also assisted on the second North America goal, and was named second star of the game in the 3-2 Czech Republic victory. Voracek and Couturier did not appear on the scoresheet, each playing relatively few minutes.
Giroux on the Ice
In the other game being played in Pittsburgh, Claude Giroux was in the lineup for Team Canada. Recall that Giroux missed practice the other day with a “maintenance day” after a tough hit from Joe Pavelski.
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Giroux had 4th line duty with Canada, playing the fewest minutes of all Canadians. He did manage to put 4 shots on goal in that time, however.
Europe Gets First Win
Team Europe has been derided as a hodge-podge going in the tournament, and losing their first two practice games convincingly only reinforced that perception. Philadelphia Flyers forward Pierre-Edouard Bellemare started moving things in the right direction by scoring their first goal the other night, and Team Europe found its first win yesterday against the star-studded Swedish team.
Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl scored a hat trick for Europe in the win, while Bellemare continued his duties as a depth forward and penalty killer.
Goalie Equipment Changes
Yesterday, we took a look at Hextall’s approach to the Philadelphia Flyers goaltending situation.
Related Story: Cracking Hextall's Goalie Code
Whatever Flyers goalie does hit the ice this season, he’ll be in smaller pants
NHL goalies will be wearing new streamlined pants to start season but new streamlined chest protector/uppers not ready to start this season.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) September 14, 2016
This change by the NHL comes at the last second. Goalies have practically no time to prepare, and one equipment manufacturer has yet to produce a single pair of the new pants. Steve Mason probably won’t be happy, as once upon a time he spoke out against shrinking goalie equipment.