The Philadelphia Flyers were inching towards a very embarrassing record if they continued to lose games to start the season. They started the season 0-6-3 and had just three points. They managed to steal a game from the Ottawa Senators to get into the win column for the first time this season.
They are looking to build on that win against the Colorado Avalanche on Monday. If Rick Tocchet were smart, he would make a lineup change based on who played well in the game against the Senators on Saturday night.
Tocchet should consider a drastic lineup change
The most obvious option would be to load up the top line with Porter Martone, Matvei Michkov, and Trevor Zegras. All three players have the offensive talent to make something happen, and putting them together could give the Flyers a spark they desperately need.
Ideally, Zegras would stay on the wing, but at this point, Philadelphia needs to try something different. The team can't keep running the same lines out there and expect different results. Martone and Michkov are the future; let them try to spark something. Zegras has the skill to create offense when given the right linemates. Putting them together could give the Flyers a line that is capable of generating more scoring chances.
There is obviously some risk in putting three offensive-minded players together, especially when the team is struggling to win games. However, Philadelphia needs to start finding ways to score, and this could be worth trying.
The blue line could also use a change as well. Tocchet should play Travis Sanheim alongside Jamie Drysdale on the top pairing. Sanheim brings experience and stability, while Drysdale has the skating and offensive ability to help move the puck up the ice. The pairing could give Philadelphia a better balance on its top pairing and help get more out of both blue liners.
Tocchet doesn't have to stick with these combinations forever, but the Flyers need something to change right now. A different look on the top line and top defensive pairing could give the team a chance to get some momentum going again.
Philadelphia did win their first game of the season, but they can't afford to keep waiting for things to turn around on their own. Tocchet needs to try things that could get his players going and win some games. These lineup changes might not solve every problem, but the Flyers are at a point where almost anything is worth a shot.
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