With a chance to earn his spot back, Shayne Gostisbehere had a strong showing in the Flyers exhibition game.
The exhibition games will allow teams to dress 20 skaters instead of the normal 18. That could mean an extra forward and defensemen. Two extra forwards or two extra defensemen is an option as well. The Flyers went with the former in their exhibition game.
Shayne Gostisbehere, Egor Zamula, and Mark Friedman were all given a chance on Tuesday evening. Only the former has a real shot at cracking the roster come the opening round of the playoffs, though.
Gostisbehere is in a battle with Robert Hagg for the final spot on the Flyers backend. He put a good step forward with an assist as he helped set up Scott Laughton’s overtime goal.
His overall game was solid as well. He wasn’t flashy like he has shown before. But he also didn’t make any obvious mistakes and showed he can be counted on.
And according to Gostisbehere, it was the healthiest he has felt in years.
"“I’m definitely 100 percent, probably the healthiest I’ve felt in a couple years. I’m happy to contribute any way I can. It s just good to be healthy and out there playing again and having fun. And obviously, winning, too.”"
Vigneault also had praise for Gostisbehere after the victory. He was on a pair with Mark Friedman and did see some power play time. Overall he skated a bit over 18 minutes, the fourth most among Flyers defensemen. Unsurprising given his place on the third pairing.
While the team ran the same lines during Wednesday’s practice, things will chance come Friday. After an off day of Thursday, Vigneault is expected to make some tweaks.
The Flyers will kick off their round robin play against the Boston Bruins on Sunday. Gostisbehere will likely get some more time during one of the three upcoming games.
His play on Tuesday was a good start to his quest to jump back into the lineup. And feeling healthy is another important step forward for him.