This is becoming a second nature move for the Flyers’ coaching staff.
At Tuesday’s morning skate, Brandon Manning — who has been scratched the past four games — was skating in the place of Evgeny Medvedev.
The rationale behind the decision is simply Manning’s physicality as opposed to the more offensive-minded Medvedev. The Flyers want a lineup that can match Anaheim, a group that likes to play along the boards and outmuscle its way in all three zones.
“I don’t think it’s a coincidence,” head coach Dave Hakstol said. “He’s a hard-nosed, two-way player. He also has brought a good element for us. When he’s in the lineup, he’s done a real good job on the penalty kill for us and has been an efficient defender for us. There’s a lot more to it.”
While it may not be the only reason behind the thought process, it’s definitely an important aspect. Manning played against Boston, another physical lineup, on Jan. 13 and didn’t play again until the next Boston game on Jan. 25. He also played in the team’s first meeting with Anaheim back in December.
Coming in and out of the lineup isn’t easy for Manning, but it’s something he’s grown accustomed to.
“It’s tough coming in but that’s part of my job,” Manning said. “I try to prepare every game day as if I’m playing and go from there.”
NHL
Neuvirth working his way back
One of the first players on the ice on Tuesday was goaltender Michal Neuvirth. A week ago, the 27-year-old was ruled out for seven to 10 days.
By that account, he’s right on pace with his original timetable.
“I would assume he’s on track,” Hakstol said. “I’m sure he’s making good progress.”
Neuvirth wasn’t available for comment but appeared in good spirits while out on the ice with his teammates.
In his place has been Anthony Stolarz, who once again will serve as backup to Steve Mason against Anaheim. Given the Ducks’ scoring struggles — they’re 30th in the league in scoring at 2.2 goals per game — and the fact that it’s the only non-conference opponent of the week, there was a thought that the AHL All-Star may make his season debut.
“[Mason], like the rest of the group, had a day off yesterday,” Hakstol said. “He’s physically sharp and ready. I don’t see any fatigue in his game. Anthony is here and his job is to be ready to play at any given time, and I know that he’s ready to do that.”
Gagner gaining confidence
Sam Gagner will be playing his sixth straight game on Tuesday after being recalled from Lehigh Valley.
When he was down in the AHL, his focus remained intact and all he wanted to do was get back into his rhythm, something that had eluded him earlier in the season. He picked up his first point since his call-up in the win over Nashville and is showing signs of more confidence with every game.
“You get into a flow when you play a little more,” Gagner said. “I feel I’m playing better on both sides of the puck and obviously, the next step is the production is there and helping the team win games that way.”
The production will come. He knows that, and his coaches do too. Gagner has worked well with Nick Cousins and Brayden Schenn over the past few games, pointing out some of the spinning passes he has delivered to those guys — two of which drew a penalty on the opposition in the New York game.
Eventually those plays will net some points.
“Hopefully we can get breakout offensively here,” Gagner stated.
Projected lineups
Forwards:
1. Voracek – Giroux – Simmonds
2. Gagner – Cousins – Schenn
3. Raffl – Laughton - Read
4. VandeVelde – Bellemare – White
Defense:
1. Del Zotto/Gostisbehere
2. Schultz/Streit
3. Manning/Gudas
Goalie
1. Mason
2. Stolarz