PHILADELPHIA – Porter Martone has already seen significant NHL action but Wednesday night offered a new experience.
There’s nothing quite like that first game of a new season for excitement and enthusiasm.
After the morning skate at Xfinity Mobile Arena, Martone talked about what he expected for the opening game to the 2026-27 season.
“I wouldn’t say it’s nerves, it’s excitement,” Martone said. “I remember it was nice to get a little break in the summer but after about a week you’re itching to play hockey again.
“It’s back, it’s awesome. I think this group is really excited. It’s fun coming back to the rink, getting into that routine. Coming in for breakfast this morning with all the guys. It’s been a long time since we played a game. . .where we got beat up by Carolina last year. I’m excited to get going against Pittsburgh again.”
Coach Rick Tocchet has tried to keep his team on an even keel through training camp because there’s no point in getting too fired up with a new 84-game schedule waiting in the wings.
Tocchet said he talks to his young players, such as Martone, frequently and it isn’t always just about hockey.
“Spend a lot of time with them, not always talking hockey,” Tocchet confirmed. “I hate overloading the young guys. Sometimes as coaches we can overload them and then that’s even worse. So maybe just give them little bits and pieces – the team environment and that’s how you do it with the young players.”
The fact new guys like Martone, Alex Bump and Denver Barkey were able to see two rounds of playoff action their first year in the NHL should prove invaluable.
“Just being in the playoffs can fast-track development,” Tocchet said. “But you have to safeguard that, sometimes you think it’s going to be easy (going forward).”
Tocchet said there’s been excitement in the room but also some nervous tension.
“I would say a mixed bag,” he said. “The excitement usually happens in the first game. Everybody’s always, if you win the first game, it’s ‘Oh my god, these guys are going to win the Stanley Cup.’ And if they lose, ‘Oh, they’re in trouble.’
“We all do that. That’s been part of the NHL for a lot of years, that focus on one game. I just want them to just have fun but also play our game. Those two exhibition games helped. We have to sharpen up. Put some urgency in our game tonight.”
Tocchet said he wasn’t concerned with the Flyers’ 1-3 preseason mark.
“It was a good camp away from the games,” he said. “Exhibition games, I wasn’t too worried. Now if this is a pattern for the next couple weeks, then I would be concerned. I’m not concerned. It’s more just a messaging thing for me.”
>Barkey, Grebenkin not skating
Both Barkey and Nikita Grebenkin did not take part in the Wednesday morning skate.
Barkey is still listed as day-to-day.
“He’s improved, he might be a little ahead of ‘Grebby,’+” Tocchet said. “Probably have a better answer the next couple days with ‘Barks.’+”
>Plus factors for Acciari
Having Noel Acciari as a right-handed center on the fourth line can be a plus on faceoffs. When he played for teams such as Florida and Toronto, he was a nuisance for the Flyers.
“He killed us last year,” Tocchet admitted. “That (right-handed presence) will help us on faceoffs. It’s just his leadership. He was in St. Louis, Florida – you talk to those coaches, he’s a solid, predictable guy. That right-handed draw is going to help us, especially on the penalty kill.”
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