Flyers roster hopefuls make statements in preseason finale

The final preseason game for the Philadelphia Flyers was more of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms suiting up to take on the Utica Comets....or the New Jersey Devils.

But there were plenty of fireworks during the game nonetheless. Eight combined goals and three different fights took place as the Flyers finished the preseason with a 5-4 win over the Devils.

Let's catch up on a lot of things that happening on Thursday night.

Olle Lycksell stays hot

For those who thought Jett Luchanko skating with the NHL regulars and Olle Lycksell being omitted, the latter has something to say about that. Playing in yet another preseason game, Lycksell showed that he means business when it comes to making the Flyers' roster out of training camp.

It's a nice shot by Oliver Bonk to fire it on the net and create a rebound in front. But if Lycksell is willing to get to the dirty areas of the ice that makes this goal happen. He pokes the puck away from the pad of Isaac Poulter and reaches around him to hit the empty net.

It feels inevitable that Lycksell will be on the opening night roster. He has had an impressive preseason and seems to be taking a hard run at the opportunity. He could force someone out of the lineup with plays like this.

JR Avon shows off his wheels

JR Avon had an okay rookie season with the Phantoms last year. He posted nine goals and 18 points in 65 games. It didn't help that he was unavailable during rookie camp last year because of a PCL sprain. Finding a bigger role and adding some penalty killing to his game are some of the things the team hopes he does this upcoming season.

He was among the cuts recently but was brought up to play in the team's final preseason game. And Avon showed off the speed and quickness during the second period.

No, that clip is not being played on fast-forward. Avon was a one-man wrecking crew as he carried the puck up the ice, cut around a Devils' defender, and found the open space between the arm and leg of Poulter. There are things Avon needs to work on to become a more consistent player. But the flash of speed he used there and the willingness to cut straight to the net is certainly an asset.

Two roster hopefuls make statements

Both Anthony Richard and Emil Andrae are looking to either find themselves on the opening night roster or be one of the first options recalled. And both made their cases stronger on Thursday night.

While Lou Nolan was announcing the tying goal for the Devils, the Flyers entered the offensive zone. They forced a turnover which went out to Andrae near the point. He skated in and wristed one from the face-off dot that beat Poulter. Noah Cates provided the screen that the rookie goaltender couldn't see around. It was 16 seconds after the tying goal. Andrae would finish the game with three points.

On a power play early in the third period, Andrae made another nice play that ended up in a goal. Taking the backhand pass from Erik Johnson, Andrae took a few strides before wiring the puck through two Devils'. Richard wound up for the one-timer and made it count. He finished the night with three points as well.

Andrae already has the inside track on the first defensive spot, but Richard is battling the likes of Lycksell to be the extra forward. He's impressed, but has it been enough?

More Observations

• Noah Cates added the icing on the cake with the Flyers' fifth goal. After an up-and-down season, partially due to injury, he's hoping to get back on track.
• Sawyer Boulton took part in two of the three fights, both against Samuel Laberge. Hunter McDonald was in the other one. Not exactly surprising to see either one of those two fight.
• Kevin Lebanc scored a hat trick for the Devils, but the third goal came with 10 seconds left in the third.