Philadelphia Flyers: Lineup changes on the horizon
The Flyers will have a slightly different look to them when they hit the ice on Thursday.
There will be a new name in the lineup when the Flyers take to the ice against the Washington Capitals. It’s a move that has been known for a few days now. Michael Raffl will miss at least the next game with what is assumed to be a lower body injury.
Unable to give a timeline, all we know is that Joel Farabee will get his chance to impress in the round robin. He won’t be checking in to Raffl’s spot on the fourth line either.
Vigneault mentioned that he was expecting more from James van Riemsdyk when the team got to Toronto. He hasn’t seen that and he’s adjusting his lineup accordingly.
That meant moving van Riemsdyk down to the left wing spot on the fourth line. He was also swapping shifts with Connor Bunnaman during Wednesday’s practice.
Now that doesn’t mean his spot is in danger. But it is a clear message that Vigneault isn’t messing around. And it further proves how much the Flyers head coach needs from his players.
There are other players ready and willing to step in if need be. It is van Riemsdyk’s job to prove that he is able to play at the level that the Flyers need him to. They are certainly a better team with him in rather than out of the lineup. But it is all up to him to make sure of that.
The top-six remained in tact during practice. The play the team has seen from Scott Laughton was a focal point in the decision to not alter that part of the lineup. Vigneault does feel that Travis Konecny and Kevin Hayes have another level to their games that they haven’t quite reached.
The only other change will be Brian Elliott checking in for the game against the Capitals. It was always expected that he would get one round-robin game. This is the best game for him to get into. That saves the Lightning for Hart and gives him one more game before the first round begins.
Elliott also has strong numbers against the Capitals this season. He has been the winning goaltender in both starts against Washington. He posted a 2.00 GAA and a .926 SV%. So he has played them well this season.
It gives Hart a much deserved break after he shined against the Bruins on Sunday. He will be ready to take on Tampa Bay this weekend.