It’s not the last preseason game but it kinda feels like it, doesn’t it? This will be the final preseason game the Flyers have vs. a NHL team, before they head to Switzerland to take on Lausanne HC. This will be some player’s last big push to make the roster that heads to Prague for the season opener vs. Chicago. The roster is just about set for the opener, albeit with roster moves looming in the coming month and even weeks by the sound of things.
One of the bigger storylines outside the remaining roster spots however is that Carter Hart will get the full game in net tonight per the team’s roster release article. Hart hasn’t allowed a goal yet this preseason in his two games of work. Barring any shenanigans, he’ll get the opening day start in Prague. Speaking of that roster though, here is your Flyers roster for tonight’s match:
FORWARDS (12)
11 – Travis Konecny RW
12 – Michael Raffl RW
13 – Kevin Hayes C
14 – Sean Couturier C
21 – Scott Laughton C
23 – Oskar Lindblom RW
28 – Claude Giroux LW
44 – Chris Stewart RW
49 – Joel Farabee RW
81 – Carsen Twarynski LW
82 – Connor Bunnaman C
93 – Jakub Voracek RW
DEFENSEMEN (6)
5 – Philippe Myers
6 – Travis Sanheim
8 – Robert Hagg
9 – Ivan Provorov
15 – Matt Niskanen
55 – Samuel Morin
GOALTENDERS (2)
37 – Brian Elliott
79 – Carter Hart
Players to watch
Joel Farabee — Farabee is one of those guys fighting for one of the final roster spots, and a strong showing tonight could really boost those chances. He’s done a lot of good this preseason, but hasn’t had the point production to show for it. Getting him at least one point and hopefully more could go a long way.
Sam Morin/Robert Hagg/Phil Myers — Cheating a bit here but let’s be real, this is arguably the biggest battle right now especially given head coach Alain Vigneault’s comments on Myers’ play this preseason. Myers has struggled at times but his athleticism, and lesser competition has helped him overcome those issues, but he has to have a strong showing tonight. The same can be said for Morin and Hagg who hope to make one final good impression.
Carter Hart — Look we all know how good Carter Hart could be, but a strong start this season would go a long way in his success, and the team’s this season. There’s a lot on the shoulders of the 21 year old goalie, but he’s shown tremendous poise throughout. While this isn’t a season opener, and that will be the true best way to get off on the right foot, a strong end to preseason wouldn’t hurt.
Two big questions
1. Who will stand out on defense?
As previously mentioned, this a huge game for the Myers, Hagg, and Morin trio. So, who will step up and make the big play or the big mistake that wins, or loses them a roster spot come October 4.
2. Which of the bubble forwards wins/loses a spot tonight?
It’s two obvious questions, but important ones nonetheless. Farabee, Stewart, Twarynski, and Bunnaman are all fighting for these last spots. While Bunnaman appears to be a bit of a lock with the need for another center, Twarynski, Farabee, and Stewart are all wingers. Outside of the willingness to drop the mitts, Stewart has been a bit of an enigma this preseason, while the former forwards have been very noticeable.
