The price was right for a very effective Glendening

VOORHEES, N.J. – This year Christmas came in March for the Flyers.
When they didn’t make any big deals at the March 6 NHL trade deadline, everyone thought the Flyers were going to stick to their guns for the stretch run.
Then a funny thing happened on the way to a potential sixth straight season out of the playoffs.
The Flyers made a few phone calls, New Jersey picked up the phone and veteran forward Luke Glendening was claimed off waivers from the Devils.
Right now, the 36-year-old journeyman has been a shiny, brightly wrapped gift. He’s centering a fourth line with 34-year-old Garnett Hathaway and 33-year-old Sean Couturier, who’s graciously made a part-time move to left wing. What they lack in speed they make up for with hockey savvy.
It’s safe to say the Flyers wouldn’t be where they are without them. The Flyers became the first team in NHL history to make up a nine-point deficit after the 60-game mark and qualify for the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Glendening is taking all this in stride. He’s just happy he landed in the right place at the right time.
And so are the Flyers. They’re pleased that Glendening & Co. have played a big part in shutting down superstar Sidney Crosby and his friends.
Playing a two-way game with the Flyers is right up his alley.
“You’ve got to keep a balance, try to keep it simple, don’t get too high or too low,” Glendening said after Thursday’s practice at the Flyers Traoining Center as the Flyers started to get ready for a potential series-clinching (up 3-0) Game 4 on Saturday night at Xfinity Mobile Center. “I think the three guys have been around for awhile.”
Glendening has playoff experience, which a lot of these Flyers don’t. He can set a good example for the younger players.
“I think ‘Coots’ (Couturier) and leadership does a great job with these guys,” Glendening said. “I just try to play my part in any way I can. You know it’s a good group. But honestly, it’s just taking it one day at a time.”
The fourth line has developed good chemistry rather quickly.
“We talk a lot,” Glendening said. “ ‘Coots’ has played in this league for a long time. He’s simplified his game to play with us. He and Garnet are two physical players and we just try to keep it simple.”
In fact, coach Rick Tocchet has started games with this line a couple times, just to set the tone.
Glendening likes it when his wings take the physical initiative.
“I’m sure they’re champin’ at the bit to get out there,” Glendening said. As for him, he added, “They’ve given me a role and I couldn’t be more appreciative.”
When he arrived, he wasn’t sure how he would fit in. So far, almost seamlessly.
“I think I was hopeful that things would go well,” said Glendening, a Michigan native who made previous NHL stops in Detroit, Dallas, Tampa Bay and New Jersey. “Quite a few games between the three of us, so that might have something to do with it.”
Couturier dresses next to Glendening in the FTC locker room so no doubt lots of information gets exchanged.
“We know what to expect from each other,” Couturier said. “We seem to be responsible and all that, the areas of the ice. I think we’re pretty well structured. Just try to play an easy, simple game that’s hard to play against. It’s been working, so it’s nice.”
Tocchet likes the reliability factor. All three players hold themselves accountable for their play at both ends of the rink. It makes it a lot easier on a coach. Like Glendening in particular.
“He’s got a lot of experience,” Tocchet said. “In any situation, wherever how I use him, he’s all in. He’s just a great calming guy to have around. He and Coots have really developed a chemistry.
“And he’s one of those guys who never complains. He’s enjoying the moment. New Jersey (a non-playoff team) put him on waivers and now he’s in the playoffs. Pretty cool.”
Tocchet was looking for that line to gel and the strategy worked.
“I just think the role I put them in, we were matching them against the other team’s best line,” the coach said. “They just kind of grouped together and embraced it. I think they kind of enjoyed that pressure of going out there against a top line. I think that helped their chemistry.”

>Vladar health update

Goaltender Dan Vladar, who suffered what appeared to be an arm injury late in Wednesday night’s game, did not practice on Thursday.
Tocchet called it more of a maintenance day.
“He is a little banged up,” Tocchet acknowledged. “But he’s feeling better today. Basically that’s all the information that we have.”
Also, Owen Tippett got beat up pretty good in Game 3. He’s dealing with a lower-body injury but the Flyers are hoping he will get some needed recovery time between now and Saturday.