Entering training camp, the Flyers were looking for role players.  Jim Dowd was cut, leaving Glen Metropolit, Arron Asham, Riley Cote, Jared Ross, and Steve Downie looking for ice time.  Despite catching the GM's attention during camp, Powe started the year with the Phantoms.  After a brief 3 game stint with the Flyers at the end of October, Powe was recalled for good December 4th.  Despite not having outstanding numbers in the minors or at Princeton, Powe filled the energy/agitator role admirably. 

His play earned praise from coach John Stevens and former linemate Scottie Upshall.  Said Stevens, "He's a very consistent player, which is what you like from a guy on your third or fourth line.  You know exactly what he's going to do. He goes straight ahead with pucks, he's probably one of our fastest-skating players."  Upshall added, "He's a guy you can rely on out there.  That's something he's shown our team this year, that he's a guy that can be counted on to go out there. He can kill penalties, he can muck it up, an energy guy. At times he's one of the fastest guys out there, he battles hard."  That type of play allowed Powe to stay with the club, filling a much needed hole when Upshall was traded.

Despite not being as skilled as Upshall, Powe plays a similar, but more defensive-minded, game.  He is always willing to go into a corner and battle, to throw his weight around, stick up for a teammate, or just skate hard every shift.  That tenacity, coupled with his ability to effectively kill penalties, has made the third line winger his job to lose.  With the team needing to add at least two forwards this off-season, where Powe will play next year is not certain.  He will never score 20 goals, but 10 goals at 20 assists are possible down the line, especially if he stays on a line with Briere and Giroux. 

Next year, Powe can continue being an effective defensive centerman, but he needs to improve his face-off percentage if he wants to get a larger role on the team.

Up next in our Grading the Flyers series:  Matt Carle