The FAB line: Farabee, Atkinson, Brassard finding early chemistry

It was an off-season of many different moves and changes to the Flyers lineup. They made the blockbuster move, acquiring Cam Atkinson from Columbus. They made a depth signing in Derick Brassard after it seemed like they were done with their roster. And they showed their faith in Joel Farabee with a long-term extension.

There were other moves that helped sure up other parts of the lineup, but it is those three that have played a big part in the Flyers early success. The team has scored 16 goals in three games with six in back to back contests. That trio has 7 goals and 15 points combined in the first three games. The chemistry is working early and has powered Philadelphia to a fast start.

Brassard and Atkinson have played together before as the two go back to when Atkinson first came into the league with the Blue Jackets.

“I am obviously very comfortable playing with Brass. When I was a rookie for a couple years, he was my centerman and we are obviously best buddies so we are always talking, always staying positive.”

Farabee has shown an ability to play with just about anyone in the lineup so he has added his own style to that line. A season after leading the Flyers in goals, Farabee once again finds himself there with three goals. He has scored in each game thus far. Atkinson scored in the opener and added two goals against Boston. Brassard grabbed his first against the Kraken and has been effective at finding his line mates to set them up.

Alain Vigneault has gotten a close view at what the three have been able to do and he isn’t necessarily surprised that they’ve been able to put together such a hot start.

“Well, I talked to Brass, and him and Cam have some chemistry going way way back- they knew one another from Columbus and Joel can just play with anyone. So am I really surprised? Not really. I think all those three guys have one thing in common, they’ve got great hockey sense and they all love to compete.”

There are things the three could clean up, of course. Farabee himself said they could’ve had more turnovers against Boston, a game in which that line played very well. They’ve been slightly out-chanced on the ice, coming in with a 43.64 CF%. But the number that matters most is the six goals for and zero against. Of course, that has something to do with the other players on the ice as well. But being able to outscore your opponents in any capacity will go a long way. And they’ve found a way to make that work.

“It’s a number of things, but just simple hockey. We’re not really trying to do too much. When we don’t have a play, we’re getting it in and getting it on the forecheck.” Farabee said after Wednesday’s victory.”I think for us, it’s creating a lot of turnovers and just using that as offense. When you’re kind of cheating the game, I think that’s when you tend to give up stuff. So just trying to play simple, get it behind their d and go to work.”

Each player brings a different skill set to the line. Farabee and Atkinson are similar in that they both have that shoot first mentality and aren’t afraid to go to the front of the net to make a play happen. Brassard has been good at reading the play and finding the open player.

“We’re just trying to help the team. We’re trying to be on the same page. Joel is all over the puck every time, it’s the same thing for Cam. They’re both really hungry to get to the net. And they’re really talented. For me, it makes my job a lot easier. They’re two special talents.”

With Kevin Hayes out for at least the next few weeks, Brassard is getting the opportunity to center that second line. He was brought in to be extra depth for this team, but has ended up playing a big role for them in Hayes’ absence. It is looking like it’s going to be almost impossible for the Flyers to break this trio up if they continue to play as sharp together as they have been.