PHILADELPHIA – They might be listed as a fourth line on the team depth chart but they’ve been more than just a utility unit in the Flyers’ recent run of success.
The trio of Patrick Brown, Zack MacEwen and Nicolas Deslauriers not only has been doing the regular fourth-line duties of forechecking like crazy and keeping the peace, it’s been scoring a goal here and there.
Coach John Tortorella recognizes the effort and sees improvement over the line’s play back in December.
“The forechecking, banged in a couple of goals,’’ Tortorella said during a press briefing prior to Tuesday night’s game against Anaheim at the Wells Fargo Center. “Playing straight ahead. For awhile a few weeks ago I thought they were a little inconsistent but I think they’ve found their game.’’
The coach has been particularly impressed with Brown at center. He missed the first couple months due to offseason back surgery but has really been a force in the last dozen games or so.
“Brown is playing better,’’ Tortorella said. “I just think they’re hunting. I think they’ve given us a lot of good minutes here.’’
Deslauriers came to Tony DeAngelo’s aid when the Flyers defenseman was cross-checked hard from behind in the Boston game.
“I think that’s one of our biggest strengths this year,’’ Tortorella said. “It’s that type of camaraderie when we need it. In those types of situations on the ice, I feel very comfortable with our club handling ourselves the right way.’’
>Back-to-back challenges
After going winless in the second half of their first six back-to-back game situations, the Flyers finally came through with a resounding 4-0 win in Buffalo on Dec. 9 after losing the previous night to Toronto.
The Flyers faced another of these two-in-a-row scheduling challenges on Tuesday night against Anaheim. Tortorella attempted to downplay the difficulty of playing on consecutive days.
“I think you can talk yourself into being tired,’’ he said. “Everybody talks about back-to-backs, the schedule. With back-to-backs for me, if you get involved right away, I think your second wind kicks in and you feel better.
“We don’t do much thinking. It’s another game, a game where I want to see our team rebound after our game against Boston (a 6-0 loss on Monday afternoon).’’
>Flyers hold annual Pride Night
In celebration and support of the LGBTQ+ community, the Flyers hosted their annual Pride Night celebration during their game against the Ducks.
Prior to the game, Flyers players were scheduled to wear special Pride-themed warmup jerseys and use warm-up sticks wrapped in rainbow Pride tape. Both the jerseys and sticks were to be auctioned off by Flyers Charities following the game with proceeds going to Flyers Charities and their efforts to grow the game of hockey in diverse communities.
Also the Flyers hosted a pre-game skate for local LGBTQ+ youth and officers from the Greater Philadelphia G.O.A.L organization. G.O.A.L.’s mission is to advocate for and on behalf of LGBTQ+ first responders and military members, help educate first responders in LGBTQ+ competency, and provide community outreach to advance relations between the LGBTQ+ public and first responder agencies.
Following the skate, attendees were set to enjoy the game as guests of the Flyers. Post-game, James van Riemsdyk and Scott Laughton were set to host a meet and greet with the guests.
“I’ve grown up with it (the cause), me and my family,’’ Laughton said. “It’s always been something that’s been close to me. James came here and we talked about it, just got things rolling. We’ve been lucky enough to host some people at games this year.
“These nights are always great. It brings new fans into the rink. I hope they know they feel welcome.’’
>Laughton to receive award
Laughton will receive the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association’s “Good Guy’’ Award at the organization’s annual banquet on Monday night at the Doubletree Hotel in Cherry Hill, N.J.
“It means a lot to me,’’ Laughton said. “To be in this city with this franchise and to win that award, it just puts things in perspective and what’s gone on the last couple years.’’