Jett Luchanko, Oliver Bonk to make playoff debuts for Flyers

With their backs against the wall and needing a win to stay alive, the Flyers have made wholesale changes to their lineup.

Alex Bump is moving up to the top line with Christian Dvorak and Travis Konecny. Tyson Foerster moves down to play with Trevor Zegras and Porter Martone. Those are the minor changes. Rick Tocchet is also debuting a few of his other younger players.

With Matvei Michkov scratched for the second time in the playoffs, Jett Luchanko will make his playoff debut on the right with with Denver Barkey and Carl Grundstrom. Luchanko had been called up a few days prior, after his junior season ended. Also making his playoff debut is Oliver Bonk, who will be on the third pairing with Nick Seeler. Tocchet had put out the possibility of Bonk playing before Game 4.

It’s an interesting decision by Tocchet as the Flyers will try to force the series back to Raleigh. Philadelphia has been out scored 10-3 thus far, getting shutout in Game 1 and scoring just one goal in Game 3. They had a chance to take Game 2 as they were up 2-0 early in the first, but they ended up allowing the tying goal midway through the third and losing in overtime.

For Luchanko, it was a rather disappointing season. In 38 games between the Guelph Storm and Brantford Bulldogs, Luchanko managed just seven goals and 43 points. The move to the Bulldogs didn’t put him in a spot to succeed as he ended up on the right wing due to Jake O’Brien being the top center. The Bulldogs also focused more on Caleb Malhotra‘s development as he rose up the ranks throughout the season. So he was the second-line center. Luchanko’s game wasn’t suited for the wing so his numbers suffered.

Luchanko could add some much needed speed that the Flyers are lacking with Owen Tippett still sidelined. It’s a huge risk as Luchanko hasn’t been able to stick at the NHL level despite making the team out of camp the last two seasons. Considering he’s almost certain to turn pro next season, he needs to show the Flyers why he was worth of a first-round draft pick.

As for Bonk, his appearance is also a surprise. With the playoffs clinched, Bonk made his debut in the final game of the regular season. He scored a goal and grabbed an assist so it was a nice reward for the defenseman. But the playoffs are a much different story. Bonk could get a baptism by fire going up against the Hurricanes and the speed they bring.

It’s possible the Flyers are trying to find a way to spark their lackluster power play as well. Bonk has had an interesting role for a defenseman on the man advantage, playing more of the bumper role than the normal point man. Considering the unit is 3-for-33, the Flyers could use anything to stay alive.

The decision to debut Luchanko and Bonk is an extremely risky move and could backfire. But sometimes you have to throw whatever you can at the wall and hope it sticks. Tocchet will be hoping for that, and a win as well.

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