A few weeks ago, Scott Laughton exploded for a four-goal performance. I asked the question, "Who's next to step up?" as this Flyers team needed someone to put the team on their backs and lead them to victory. For a team loaded with talent that seems to underachieve, someone had to take the role of "team sparkplug" to get these guys moving.
Now, since Laughton's big game, the Flyers went 1-3-0, including a three-game skid. A lot of that had to do with poor defensive and/or goaltending play. However, in their last three games, the Flyers have scored 12 goals. There are some signs that this team is starting to heat up and if they can get their defensive mistakes behind them, they might be able to put together a winning streak.
One of the players who has suddenly found their scoring touch is Noah Cates. After scoring 13 goals in his rookie season in 2022-23, he battled through injuries last year, leading to only six total goals. He's usually on the third line with a whole cavalcade of guys playing with him. Recently, he's been paired up a lot with Bobby Brink and Tyson Foerster.
Any time you can get any production from your third line, it is a blessing. Cates is currently riding a three-game-goal-scoring streak and has five points in his last five games. In the nine games the Flyers have played in December, he's scored four goals with two assists. Those numbers may not jump out at you, but there is a ripple effect.
In those same nine games, Foerster has scored four goals with four assists. He's seemingly found his scoring touch. Brink has contributed with two assists. For Cates, that's four goals of his season total of five. For Foerster, that's four of nine.
Something has clicked between Cates and Foerster and it is going well. They are feeding each other and creating chances to score. The more they score, the more problematic the third line is becoming for other teams to defend against. That should open up more opportunities for the top two lines to start scoring and becoming more productive.
If the team can stop making errors on defense in turning the puck over and if the goalies can get back on track, this team might be able to put something good together. Perhaps, with a weak Metro Division, they could be able to advance in the standings.