PHILADELPHIA – The belief that an 0-2 deficit can be overcome is nothing new to Rick Tocchet.
The current Flyers coach was playing for the team back in 2000 when it fell behind Pittsburgh by that margin.
Even though the situation looked bleak, the belief level in the locker room remained high.
Somehow the Philadelphia gang rallied and won four straight games, a series victory which catapulted them all the way to the seventh game of the Eastern Conference finals.
Before Thursday morning’s skate at Xfinity Mobile Arena, Tocchet was asked if the belief in this locker room, despite being down 0-2 to the Carolina Hurricanes, is just as strong as the one back in 2000.
“We had a veteran-led team,” Tocchet said of the 2000 squad. “There wasn’t a lot of panic. Even today, I see a pretty good attitude. I don’t see guys nervous.”
This series could very well be tied at 1-1. The Flyers took an early 2-0 lead in Game 2, held it until the third period and then lost in overtime.
The Flyers hope the nerves have settled a bit now.
“I’m sure there are butterflies,” Tocchet said. “The kids, these last few months have helped them for this moment. They’ve lived it for two months. There were games they had to win so they got a taste of a ‘must-win’. . .so their heartrate is not at 300 right now. I think they’re calm. They know it’s the calm before the storm type of thing. That’s why it’s so invaluable, the development of the mental and physical part of the game.”
>Dvorak in, Tippett out
Christian Dvorak, banged up in Game 2, was declared ready to go for Game 3 by Tocchet, although it’s understood he would not be a hundred percent.
Meanwhile, Owen Tippett was scratched for a third straight game.
Of Dvorak, Tocchet said: “He’s going to play. He’s a warrior.”
>Key line matchups
Carolina’s second line of Logan Stankoven, Taylor Hall and Jackson Blake have done the most damage against the Flyers.
With Noah Cates and Tippett out, plus Dvorak not at full strength, Tocchet figured to be challenged as far as line matchups go.
The popular belief was the Flyers coach would use the Sean Couturier line (including Luke Glendening and Garnet Hathaway) against the Stankoven unit and then go with the Dvorak trio vs. Sebastian Aho & Co.
“There are still some guys who are going to have to play,” Tocchet said. “There are some things I can do to help with having certain people on the ice. That (the Stankoven bunch) is a hot line. We’ve got to get in on them.”
>All-out mentality
The Flyers were clearly the better team in overtime in Game 2 and just lost it on a couple misplays.
Tocchet was asked if the Flyers might be able to match that level of intensity for the length of Game 3.
“That’s what playoffs are, playing that physical style – physically invested, making plays over and over again,” Tocchet said. “One game it might not go your way. The second game goes your way, but we still lost.
“Can we do it again? Yeah. You have to expect that from your team. Expect it from yourself. Playoffs is not pacing. You just got to go. And then if it’s time to get off, get off. We’ll get you right back out there. This is a time you’re got to put it in fifth, sixth gear.”
>Return of a popular star
Rod Brind’Amour was one of the most popular, beloved Flyers of the ‘90s. His relentless style made him a fan favorite.
He’s coached against his old team before, but never in the playoffs. That’s why there was bound to be a mixed reception for him at XMA in a rather high-stakes atmosphere.
“He was an effort guy,” Tocchet said. “Flyers fans, they love effort. He’s a classy guy. Obviously they have an affection for him. I hope not tonight though.”
>The Michigan State connection
Porter Martone was playing hockey for Michigan State just over a month ago. Now he’s hit the big time. He had a great Pittsburgh series but recently his performance level has dropped off a bit.
“You’ve got to move your feet,” Tocchet said. “He’s looking to be the sniper and that’s great. But you’ve got to get to these areas quicker. I thought he was better last game.”
In the locker room, Martone was taking off his skates and answering questions about Brind’Amour, who is a fellow MSU alumn.
Martone knew that Brind’Amour’s first game (as a St. Louis Blue player) was actually in the playoffs.
“You see coaches talk about him and stuff,” Martone said. “I knew that (about his first NHL game) and I knew what kind of impact player he was and how much he means to the program at Michigan State.”
Brind’Amour played one year at MSU, 1988-89, and posted 27 goals/59 points in 42 games. His first NHL goal was scored in the Stanley Cup playoffs that same year.
Martone said there are photographs of Brind’Amour posted in the Michigan State locker room.
“I think Michigan State is such a close-knit family, once you play there for a year, you are part of the alumni,” Martone said. “You’re always welcome back.”
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