Philadelphia Flyers Daily: Flyers Earn Point; Jordan Weal an NHL Player
By Joel
The Philadelphia Flyers gained a much-needed point in Washington.
Power play struggles continued as the Philadelphia Flyers went 0/6. Sean Couturier finished off a nice passing play from line mates Nick Cousins and Matt Read scoring Philadelphia’s only goal. Dmitry Orlov answered scoring, just 81 seconds later tying the game.
Steve Mason did his best to extend the club’s two game winning streak making 22 saves along with a .917 Save Percentage, Mason made a monster save on T.J Oshie in overtime diving across his crease stopping the puck with his mask.
Nick Backstrom ended the game in overtime snapping the puck home with the man advantage as Washington won their 15th straight on home ice in the Nations Capital.
The Flyers sit three points back of the final eastern conference wildcard spot.
Now Let’s take a look at why Jordan Weal deserves to stay in the Philadelphia Flyers lineup.
The 24-year-old Saskatoon native is enjoying his first taste of NHL hockey. Weal spent 68 games out of an 82 game schedule watching from above in the Flyers’ and Kings Press box last season. Weal dressed for 14 games scoring zero points. Jordan Weal was acquired last season from the Los Angeles Kings in the Luke Schenn and Vincent Lecavalier deal.
Weal was sent down to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms to start his 2016/17 campaign, He made the most of his time in the American League scoring 15 goals, 32 assists, 47 points in 43 games played.
On February 10th Flyers rookie, Travis Konency was ruled out with a Leg injury. Weal received the call up. Since his call-up Weal has made his way up to the Flyers top line alongside Claude Giroux and Wayne Simmonds, scoring his first career NHL goal. The next game he would score his first career shootout goal.
"As they came off the ice, with just their third win in nine games, Simmonds yelled toward Weal, “First of many, buddy.”“It’s not the end goal to get your first one,” Weal said, “but it’s definitely a step. All that hard work you put in your whole life to get to this point is starting to pay off … – Ed Barkowitz Philly.com"
Weal has NHL Speed, Compete level and Intensity
"Is a prolific point producer at lower levels, especially since he is tenacious and a hard worker. Is also capable of playing all three forward positions in the NHL. – Sports forecaster."
Size a factor?
At 5’10 179lbs, size has always been a knock against him even hurting him in the past getting knocked off pucks earlier in his NHL career.
Weal has proved he can score at the minor league levels throughout his career. The next step is showing he belongs in Philadelphia for the long haul. He is on the right path.