The Flyers will be off the ice for approximately 10 days and, with the exception of Team Canada’s Travis Sanheim and Travis Konecny, plus Finland’s Rasmus Ristolainen, it’s up to the idle players to find their own way to stay in shape.
Noah Cates said the long break shouldn’t affect the team’s performance when the NHL schedule resumes, although the Flyers do take on a rather speedy, skilled Edmonton squad.
“On vacation, maybe work out a little bit, get massages, rest the body,” Cates said after Sunday’s practice at the Flyers Training Center. “I think most guys will be back after about a week off.
“There will be a few says when we can skate. . .two or three days of practice. There will be plenty of time to get back and recoup. But I think it will be welcomed for a lot of guys. There’s been a lot of hockey. Just rest the head and the body, too; get ready for those last games in March and April.”
Cates said the long break shouldn’t affect the team’s performance when the NHL schedule resumes.
“It’s going to be playoff-like hockey for a while,” said Cates. “Obviously you can’t two weeks off and expect to hop on the ice and play a game. I know guys will be back early. I’m not too worried about it. The coaches will do a good job getting us ready.
“I think the break will be good for everyone.”>Richard gets it in gear
With the Flyers having one of the youngest rosters in the NHL, it never hurts to bring another experienced player on board.
Which is why 28-year-old Anthony Richard’s arrival is such a welcomed addition to the lineup.
Plus his exceptional speed just seems to add more energy to the atmosphere on the Flyers’ bench.
Cates plays on a different line but appreciates what Richard brings to the table.
“I think he’s done a great job just playing north,” Cates said after Sunday’s practice at the Flyers Training Center. “Kind of a one-man regroup, one-man breakout kind of thing.”
Richard experienced a scary moment in Thursday night’s game at Madison Square Garden against the Rangers. He was backchecking on New York defenseman K’Andre Miller, fell face-forward and was hit in the face by the back of Miller’s left skate.
Fortunately there was no serious injuries and he’s stayed in the lineup.
Richard’s time with teams such as Boston and Montreal gave him the valuable experience for this latest chance.
“It’s always hard when you feel like you’re playing good but the business side of things, it’s not something your really control,” he said. “You never know when you’re going to get another chance.
“You never know if you’re going to be as good as when you were here before.”
He’s found there’s nothing guaranteed in the NHL. So he’s just taking it one game at a time.
“I’m just happy the way I’m playing,” he said. “If it’s for the rest of the season I’ll be happy. If it’s for two weeks or something like that, I’ll keep working hard. Something I’ve learned over the years, just play it day by day.”
>Laughton set to return
Veteran forward Scott Laughton will return to the lineup on Monday night when the Flyers take on the New Jersey Devils at the Wells Fargo Center. Laughton, who missed three games due to a personal (family) matter, took part in Sunday’s practice.
>Short shots
Defenseman Egor Zamula, who was a late scratch for Friday night’s game at Long Island, did not participate in Sunday’s practice. He’s sidelined with an upper-body injury and there is no timeline for his return.
