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.

 

Starting Goalie: Martin Biron

Backup Goalie: Antero Niittymaki

 

WILL:

Line 1: Simon Gagne, Daniel Briere, Mike Knuble

Line 2: Scottie Upshall, Mike Richards, Claude Giroux

Line 3: Scottie Hartnell, Jeff Carter, Joffrey Lupul

Line 4: Riley Cote, Glen Metropolit, Aaron Asham

 

Defensive Pairing 1: Kimmo Timonen, Braydon Coburn

Defensive Pairing 2: Derian Hatcher, Steve Eminger

Defensive Pairing 3: Randy Jones, Lasse Kukkonen

 

Starting Goalie: Martin Biron

Backup Goalie: Antero Niittymaki