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The Flyers are back in action tonight and hoping that the fourth time is the charm.
That’s right they’ve lost all three of their preseason games thus far, not that they really matter, but it’s still kind of funny if you think about it.
Anyways they get another chance tonight against the Rangers with a lineup that has a very NHL feel and Carter Hart between the pipes for most of the game. The whole roster is featured below, with notable absences being Shayne Gostisbehere, Philippe Myers, and Nolan Patrick; who continues to be out with an upper body injury.
Flyers roster
FORWARDS (12)
11 - Travis Konecny RW
12 - Michael Raffl RW
13 - Kevin Hayes C
21 - Scott Laughton C
23 - Oskar Lindblom RW
25 - James van Riemsdyk LW
28 - Claude Giroux LW
44 - Chris Stewart RW
48 - Morgan Frost C
49 - Joel Farabee RW
81 - Carsen Twarynski LW
93 - Jakub Voracek RW
DEFENSEMEN (6)
6 - Travis Sanheim
8 - Robert Hagg
9 - Ivan Provorov
15 - Matt Niskanen
55 - Samuel Morin
59 - Mark Friedman
GOALTENDERS (2)
35 - J-F Berube
79 - Carter Hart
Three players to watch
Joel Farabee — It’s the fourth game for the former BU product this preseason counting the rookie game, and another shot to show the Flyers’ coaching staff he’s deserving of a spot on the NHL roster to start the season. After a strong start Farabee had some gaffs against the Islanders last time out, but could catch a break with Patrick continuing to be sidelined. Stringing together a couple more good showings could help Farabee bypass the AHL to start the season.
Morgan Frost — Pretty much same deal here for Frost as the door is slightly open due to Patrick’s injury. Frost had been markedly better this camp as opposed to a season ago and has shown the creative offensive ability that has had everyone excited for a few years. One thing that hasn’t been there is Frost burying his chances, and if he can do that to close the preseason he’ll really improve his chances of making the team.
Chris Stewart — Still hanging around, the Flyers are getting a long look at just what the veteran may or may not have left in the tank. It appears the plan is to give him another look with Michael Raffl and Scott Laughton. Le sigh.
I will not be at the morning skate today but will update the lineup for tonight when I know it. One line from the originally planned lineup that may remain together for tonight is the Raffl-Laughton-Stewart trio. The other lines will all change.
— Bill Meltzer (@billmeltzer) September 21, 2019
Two big questions
1. Does anyone step up in the race to fill out the rest of the defense?
Pretty simple. Will one of Robert Hagg, Samuel Morin, or Mark Friedman show the coaching staff that they’re worthy of being the extra defenseman for the Flyers to start the season. Hagg has the inside edge, but given his general play—despite what some local beats opine— the door is wide open for Morin or Friedman to steal the gig here down the stretch. Please god, one of you save us from Robert Hagg.
2. Frost vs. Farabee
There was already one open spot in the forward group and now there are possibly two with Nolan Patrick’s status uncertain. German Rubstov has been very strong so far, but Frost and Farabee are right there and have a chance to step up with Ruby not drawing in for this one. Who makes the big play —or big mistake— in a hotly contested battle between a few of the Flyers’ most prized prospects.