PHILADELPHIA – Numerous injuries, benchings and a recent double-digit winless streak all have combined to keep the Flyers’ lines chart in a state of flux.
Coach John Tortorella has been experimenting to the point of near exasperation but he might have uncovered a trio which could stick around for awhile.
That would be the line of center Morgan Frost working between James van Riemsdyk and Owen Tippett.
A pair of four-point nights by Frost and JVR in a 5-4 loss at Arizona on Dec. 11 got things started in the right direction. All three players had goals in that game.
It was more of the same on Tuesday night at the Wells Fargo Center as Frost and Tippett (twice) connected again, leading the Flyers to a 5-3 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Travis Konecny chipped in with a pair of goals in the Flyers’ final home game of the 2022 calendar year.
Tippett’s first goal at 14:18 of the second period broke a 2-2 tie and put the Flyers ahead for good as they went on to their second victory in the last three games.
Frost’s sixth goal of the season, setting a new career high, came at 10:04 after the Flyers had fallen behind by a 2-1 score. Frost’s shot from the left dot beat goaltender Daniil Tarasov far side.
“I think we’re working well together,” Frost said. “I think all of our styles of play kind of complement each other and we have really good chats on the bench and in the room between periods. I think that leads to some chemistry on the ice, so I think we’re going to keep trying to have fun.”
Tortorella believes Frost’s improved play has been the key to the threesome’s success.
“He’s growing,’’ the coach said. “I think when we put that line together. . .James has kind of steadied those two kids. I watch him (Frost) tonight, he carries the puck more instead of just getting rid of it. I think a big part of his game is carrying the puck, bringing people to him so he can make plays.
“A big part of this season he was just getting rid of the puck. I think he feels more confident. When you start getting points and you get a couple goals, that’s what happens. This is a big time for his career. A chance to show, or not show. He’s going to get the opportunity throughout the rest of this year. And I think he’s trying to seize it here.’’
Tippett, now with a career-high 10 goals (his previous best was seven with Florida), believes the communication Frost alluded to is important.
“It’s huge,’’ Tippett said. “After every shift, we’re kind of talking about what could have happened. If we have a good shift, we give each other a pat. I think communication is a big part, you’re only going to get better with that communication.’’
Can this line stick together and keep the momentum going?
“I think so,’’ Tippett said. “It’s nice to be familiar with people. You build that chemistry the more you play with each other. Know where your ‘outs’ are all over the ice.’’
Defenseman Cam York picked up assists on both goals, providing him with his second NHL career multi-point game.
Carter Hart registered the win in goal for the Flyers.
The Flyers got off to a quick start with a shorthanded goal, the first of Konecny’s pair, at 13:48 of the first period.
Konecny took a lead pass from Scott Laughton and unloaded a shot from close range off a breakaway.
Later, Konecny scored unassisted at 2:45 of the third period for a 4-2 lead. Konecny now has 14 goals in 27 games. Last season, he scored just 16 goals in 79 games.
It was only the 10th time the Flyers have scored first in a game.
Laughton said the Flyers have been working on faster starts.
“I think our forecheck has been good,’’ Laughton pointed out at the first intermission. “We’ve been intercepting passes and keeping it in (their) zone.’’
Columbus, playing without double-digit regulars (including regular starting goalie Elvis Merzlikins) rallied in the second period on goals from Kariil Marchenko at 5:58 and Kent Johnson at 8:41. Marchenko tipped a Jake Christiansen shot past Hart. Johnson completed a two-on-rush.
The Flyers had to scramble to keep their lead in the third. After Konecny’s second goal, Andrew Peeke scored for Columbus at 11:11 to pull the Blue Jackets to within a goal.
Tippett closed it out with an empty-net goal.
Konecny’s shorthanded goal was the first of his career. Tortorella is showing a lot of faith using Konecny on the penalty kill. It seems to be paying off.
“I need to let him go because that’s when he’s at his best,’’ the caoch said. “He’s a bundle of energy. I love that but with the energy there’s going to be some crazy stuff. I don’t want to overcoach him. When we play in big games, in playoff games, hopefully he’ll lead the way.’’
Konecny realizes there’s a fine line there. Take chances but don’t be reckless.
“I think it (the penalty kill) helps me get engaged in games,’’ he said. “PK is one of those things where you have to get your feet moving.’’
As for the Frost line, Konecny sees good things.
“I think that line has played so well since that Arizona game when they were put together,’’ Konecny said. “Those two guys (Frost, Tippett) are playing really well. It’s good to see.’’
>Short shots
Wade Allison returned to action after sitting out several weeks with a hip pointer/oblique strain. He played on a line with Nic Delauriers and Patrick Brown. . .The Flyers return to action on Thursday for a game at Toronto. It’s a rare 2 p.m. weekday start. . .York’s other two-point game came against St. Louis on March 24.
