VOORHEES, N.J. – There was a time not that long ago when the Flyers didn’t even have a captain, much less a leadership group.
The team finally got around to naming veteran Sean Couturier the team’s captain along with assistants Travis Sanheim and Travis Konecny.
But this year, the direction group has gone beyond those three gentlemen.
It wouldn’t be a stretch to say there at least a half-dozen players — and maybe more — who hold not only themselves but others accountable for how the team plays, trains and sticks together on and off the ice.
At Wednesday’s practice, Couturier listed two of those: Noah Cates and Cam York.
Solid leadership could help explain why the Flyers find themselves back in playoff contention with more than a third of the season played.
“Over the last couple of years the foundation was built,” Couturier said. “Now we’re getting to that next level as a team, growing into solid contenders.
“We’re still young but we’re getting older. We can’t always say we’re young, it’s been two or three years we’ve said that. At some point, guys are growing into different roles.”
Couturier reiterated what he’s been saying for quite some time, namely that any player can be a leader in his own way.
“Winning teams, that’s what you have,” Couturier said. “A bunch of individuals that can bring something to the team.
“A bunch of guys who have stepped up over the years. Guys like ‘Catesy,’ ‘Yorkie’ (Cam York). There are a bunch of guys who have really taken another step off the ice to help the team.”
It’s a natural process that just comes with experience.
“Just being older,” Couturier said. “I think they feel more comfortable around here. Whenever they need to voice up, have an opinion, they do. Those are just two guys who are respected for the way they handle business.”
Trevor Zegras just arrived this season but he’s already noticed how a number of players have contributed to the process.
“You try to hold each other accountable,” he said. “I mean it starts with ‘Coots.’ He’s played nine hundred games for the same team. That doesn’t go unnoticed around the room, the coaching staff.
“Just from my short time of playing, I realize it’s really special to do that. You have to have certain characteristics and traits to have that much belief in you. You just look to Coots in most situations and how to prepare yourself.”
The measure of a solid team is one which has players who look in the mirror and vow to fix a problem or two now, not next week.
“Nobody in this room is satisfied with what they’ve done,” Zegras said. “They know what they’ve done to this point probably isn’t good enough. They’ve got to either keep bringing that next level or the whole group suffers.
“We don’t have one or two superstars. But we’ve got a lot of guys that like playing for each other and working real hard.”
For coach Rick Tocchet, this abundance of leadership makes his job a whole lot easier.
Sometimes he lets the players lead themselves. He will walk out of a locker room and allow everyone to speak a little more freely.
“You can overcoach a team,” Tocchet said. “There are always going to be issues that you can’t correct in one day.
“The attitude’s been really good. I don’t see any sulking. Guys are owning their mistakes. When things aren’t going right I see them trying to pick each other up. Even when I leave the room I can tell. I know there are a lot of guys trying to pick the pieces up. I think that’s the sign of a good team.”
When the coach is not in the room, what is said can be really important.
“That’s huge for culture,” Tocchet said. “I think there’s a (leadership) committee here. The committee thing really helps. That’s seven, eight guys that have taken that role.”
The more players take accountability, the better.
“Sometimes I’ve got to stay out of their way,” the coach said. “Even when things aren’t going great you try to steer the ship back. Sometimes you’ve got to let them steer the ship. It’s hey, ‘I think this coach trusts us.’ Even in a bad period, that can foster a good environment. I’m learning myself, when to stay out of it.”
>Eyeing the road trip
After Saturday’s home game against Carolina, the Flyers will have only one more in Philadelphia until Jan. 6.
Will so many road games test the mettle of this team?
“I think we have a great opportunity here if you look at the standings,” Couturier said. “We’re right in the mix with some games in hand. We don’t want to waste those. We just need to take it one game at a time and get some points.”
The Flyers have put together a road record of 6-4-1 after starting the season 0-2-1.
>Reinforcements on the way
Both York and Rasmus Ristolainen are making progress in their recovery from injuries. York is day-to-day and Ristolainen is now week-to-week.
“When those two guys come back, it’s like a really good trade,” Tocchet said. “You’re getting two quality D-men in the lineup. It’s like making a major trade for us.”
>Murchison still here
Ty Murchison made his NHL debut on Tuesday night in a 4-1 win over San Jose. He’s still with the team but it looks like a day-to-day proposition.
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