When Kevin Hayes addressed the media regarding his vote to the Honda NHL All-Star Weekend event on Thursday night, his comments centered on how he made it through all the adversity he faced during the 2021-22 season and rightfully so.
There was the sudden death of his older brother, Jimmy, a former NHL player. Then came multiple surgical procedures on his core area, including an extended battle to fight off a nasty infection.
What perhaps left unsaid was the additional challenges the Flyers veteran forward has had to take on this season.
He’s been benched on two occasions by coach John Tortorella. He’s been moved from his natural center position to left wing. And, until recently, he has played with different linemates from game to game.
Despite all that, he’s led the team in several offensive categories and remains second to Travis Konecny in team scoring.
To his credit, Hayes has played the good soldier. He hasn’t made any public complaints about coach John Tortorella and has accepted most of the blame when his defensive play has come into question.
This is a big reason why the 30-year-old player remains such a popular figure in the locker room. He goes about his business in a professional way. When asked for an opinion, he answers as honestly as possible.
Teammates have noticed these attributes.
“He’s been great for us this year,’’ Carter Hart said. “He’s been a workhorse for us on the front end, makes a lot of skill plays. He’s a very skilled player and protects the puck very well. He’s been working really hard. It’s well deserving for him.’’
Some thought Konecny might be the more deserving candidate. He scored his 20th goal of the season in the Coyote game and his career high is 24. Barring injury, he could finish in the 35-40 range.
If there was a perceived snub, Konecny wasn’t letting on it bothered him. He’s already been to an All-Star Game (2020), so it’s not like he’s been denied a chance to enjoy the experience.
“Not at all,’’ he said. “I’m actually happy to see him (Hayes) go. Somebody had to be picked and it was Hayes. It’s a really great opportunity for him and his family and I’m looking forward to seeing it.’’
>Is winning streak for real?
With their win over Arizona on Thursday night, the Flyers extended their victory streak to four games, the longest in almost two years.
Some might question the validity of those conquests, seeing as how three of them came against NHL bottom-feeders (San Jose, Anaheim, Arizona).
But Tortorella says a win is a win is a win.
“We’re going to find out – we’ve got Washington, Boston, Washington coming up here,’’ Tortorella said. “But I’m not going to allow you to just say that (weak schedule) is why we’re winning because I do think our team is playing better.
“Since we’ve changed our neutral zone (play), I think we’re playing on our toes more. And we’re getting some puck luck. It’s a tough league to win in, no matter who you play. We’re certainly not going to say that because it’s against weaker opponents. . .I think our game has grown as a team.’’
>Get to Sunday game early
Because Sunday’s Eagles-Giants game has a 4:25 p.m. kickoff, there’s the potential for a big traffic jam at the South Philadelphia sports complex due to the Flyers hosting Toronto at 7.
Because of this, the Flyers will be opening their parking lots at 4:45 p.m. and opening the doors to the Wells Fargo Center at 5 p.m.
Fans are encouraged to arrive between 5 and 6 p.m.
Inside the WFC, the Eagles game will be broadcast on main concourse TVs.
Both teams are trying to avoid a potential backup situation. There is the possibility of road closures for exiting Eagles traffic as early as 6:15 p.m., hence the encouragement to arrive at the WFC before 6 p.m. at the latest.
