Bobby Brink Shines Amid Penalties Holding Back Flyers Plus Key Takeaways

The Flyers recently completed their first two games of the season, facing tough competition from the Florida Panthers and Carolina Hurricanes. They lost 2-1 to the Panthers and followed up with a 4-3 overtime defeat to the Hurricanes. Both matches served as significant tests for the young team, showcasing their resilience and areas for improvement.

Bobby Brink Shines Despite Flyers’ Penalties

In their game against the Hurricanes, Bobby Brink emerged as a standout player, contributing both a goal and an assist. His performance has drawn positive attention from team management, particularly general manager Danny Brière, who emphasized the importance of patience in developing young talent within the organization. As Brière noted, “We were patient with Bobby Brink, and it’s starting to pay off.”

Brink’s Development

• Brink is in his third NHL season and has grown significantly as a player.
• In the previous season, he recorded 41 points in 79 games.
• He ended last season strong, scoring eight points in his last nine games.

Brink reflected on his performance, stating, “Bounces were going our way tonight, and my linemates made a bunch of good plays.” His dynamic play style has not gone unnoticed. Coach Rick Tocchet praised him for his outstanding efforts, highlighting Brink’s ability to keep the puck in play and pressure the opposition effectively.

Challenges: Too Many Penalties

Despite Brink’s performance, the Flyers faced significant challenges, particularly regarding penalties. Tocchet expressed frustration over the team’s tendency to take excessive penalties early in games. Against the Hurricanes, the Flyers committed four penalties in the first period alone. This restricted game time for some players, impeding their ability to find a rhythm.

“We did it in Florida, five power plays in the game. It’s tough,” said Tocchet, emphasizing the adverse effects on the team’s gameplay. The penalties are a hurdle the Flyers must overcome to enhance their performance in future matches.

Penalty Kill Performance

• The Flyers’ penalty kill has performed admirably, going 4-for-4 against the Hurricanes.
• They currently rank eighth in the NHL for penalty-kill effectiveness at 88.9%.
• However, they have been shorthanded nine times in two games.

Sam Ersson: Key to Flyers’ Defense

Goaltender Sam Ersson has also played a crucial role, registering 35 saves in the game against Carolina. Following an impressive performance by Dan Vladar in the season opener, Tocchet plans to rotate the goalies while evaluating their performances. Ersson’s ability to face a high volume of shots has proven valuable, especially in a game where he faced numerous power-play opportunities from the Hurricanes.

“He played unbelievable and kept us in that game the whole night,” Brink commented on Ersson’s performance. The team’s defense must alleviate some pressure on the netminder to secure more favorable outcomes in future matches.

As the Flyers move forward, balancing their aggressive play with discipline will be crucial. Bobby Brink’s continued development and strong performances will be essential as they navigate the challenges of the season.