The Philadelphia Flyers have many different players that are going to be trying to make the team out of training camp. Specifically, Claude Giroux, the QMJHL superstar who set records in the playoffs this past season, will be looking to make the second line during camp come September.
In this article, however, I will play the role of both coach and random hockey fan, giving you my choices for what the line combinations SHOULD be and what the line combinations WILL be come the season opener against the Rangers.
SHOULD:
Line 1: Simon Gagne, Daniel Briere, Claude Giroux
Mike Knuble should absolutely be moved off of the top line in order to make room for Claude Giroux, who would absolutely dominate on a line with Briere and Gagne. Gagne is the goal scorer, Giroux is the playmaker, and Briere can do both—and, all being Canadian, the chemistry should simply happen during camp.
Line 2: Scottie Upshall, Mike Richards, Mike Knuble
Unfortunately, Richards is only a second-line center on a team with so many forwards. I believe that Knuble will have the same success as he did on the first line when he plays with Mike Richards, and Upshall will be even better playing on the second line.
Line 3: Scottie Hartnell, Jeff Carter, Joffrey Lupul
This star line that worked well together last season should not be touched. They dominated many games last year, and they need to be kept together.
Line 4: Steve Downie, Glen Metropolit, Riley Cote
This should be a pretty good fourth line. Downie and Cote can fight, while Metropolit and Downie can also provide some interesting scoring touches and contributing to a few goals, which is really all the fourth line needs.
Defensive Pairing 1: Kimmo Timonen, Braydon Coburn
One of the best defensemen in the game in Timonen will do very well paired with Braydon Coburn, a possible future Norris Trophy nominee.
Defensive Pairing 2: Steve Eminger, Randy Jones
Eminger, the newcomer, will do a good job bonding with Randy Jones, and help in making him a new Randy Jones—one that doesn’t make as many mistakes.
Defensive Pairing 3: Ossi Vaananen, Lasse Kukkonen
Get rid of Hatcher, and you are left with two Finnish defensemen who could really do well together in the defensive zone.
5 comments Last one added 10 months ago — Leave a Comment
M D 10 months ago
I think Giroux and Briere are too similar to play on the same line. I think Gagne and Briere will need someone who can do the dirty work in front of the net like Knuble or Hartnell on their line.
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InTheBleachers.net 10 months ago
I agree with M. I think Hartnell will be on the top line OR the Flyers will do what they did in the last part of the playoffs and put Richards at center and Briere at the wing. Putting Richards with Briere should help counteract Briere's lack of defense.
Also, for some reason Stevens does not like Lasse even though I don't agree. Keep an eye out for a guy by the name of Denis Bodrov. He is coming to camp and if he makes the team expect him to be in the 2nd or 3rd D paring. If he doesn't make it, I expect to see Parent in there instead of Lasse.
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Matt Ellenberger 10 months ago
Gagne is a huge question mark, he's had a bunch of concussion problems. I think he's the key to the Flyers' offense; if he's healthy and plays like we know he can, I think we'll have a fair shot at winning the division- I think he's that important
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Aaron Brenker 10 months ago
Wow the Flyers really can put together four solid offensive lines.
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Ron Van Lew 10 months ago
You think Downie brings more to the table than Asham? Interesting. The second and third lines are not that impressive. Hartnell eh plays all out but.......... Upshall is kinda in the same boat for me.
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