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Flyers wrapping up preseason schedule against Washington

By Ariel Melendez

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 07: Dmitry Orlov #9 of the Washington Capitals and Travis Konecny #11 of the Philadelphia Flyers go after the puck at Capital One Arena on May 07, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 07: Dmitry Orlov #9 of the Washington Capitals and Travis Konecny #11 of the Philadelphia Flyers go after the puck at Capital One Arena on May 07, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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The Flyers have one final contest before they begin their official preparations for the 2021-22 season opener on October 15th. They’ll travel to Washington for their sixth preseason game. They faced the Capitals last Saturday, using a two-goal third period to grab their first win of the exhibition schedule.

The lineup we will see this evening has a good chance to be the opening night roster. Cam York, while traveling to Washington, will be an extra. He is expected to be sent to the Phantoms before the season opener. Garrett Wilson is continue his battle for not only a roster spot, but an NHL contract. He is currently signed to an AHL deal and is at training camp on a professional tryout basis. Jackson Cates will not be in the lineup as he is also looking to snag one of the final roster spots.

Alain Vigneault spoke before the game about his decision to include Wilson in the lineup instead of Cates. The team was able to see Cates last season as he skated in four NHL games after signing an entry-level contract. This gives Wilson another opportunity to prove to the team that he is worthy of his contract being converted into a two-way deal.

"“I just keep working every day. Like I said, take advantage of opportunities given to me. Try to make the most of it and just keep working and getting better every day. And just try to make it hard for them to send me down.” Wilson said after practice on Thursday.“I just put my head down, go to work. Try to gain the coach’s trust as best I can so they feel comfortable putting me out there. I think the experience of having some games in the NHL help. I know I can play here so I just gotta keep improving every day."

Wilson last played in the NHL during the 2019-20 season when he appeared in 50 games for the Penguins. Before that, it was back in 2015-16 with the Florida Panthers for 29 games. He has bounced around the minor leagues for quite some time but is certainly building case to make it back to the NHL level.

Martin Jones will get the start in this one, while Felix Sandstrom will make the trip to Washington as the backup. Carter Hart had a maintenance day on Thursday and didn’t make the trip. But his status is not in question for the Flyers season opening game next week.

Final roster decisions will come in the next couple of days as the puck will drop on a new season in just a few short days.

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