After first win, Flyers get some of their swagger back

VOORHEES, N.J. – All it took was one little win for the Flyers to breathe a collective sigh of relief at Sunday’s practice.

They had just ended a season-opening franchise-record nine-game winless streak on Saturday night with a 3-1 victory over Ottawa.

Problem is, they’re not going to have much time to enjoy that success.

That’s because the ever-dangerous Colorado Avalanche will be showing up at Infinity Mobile Arena on Monday night and that’s never an easy task.

Still, the Flyers allowed themselves a smile or two as they took the ice at the Flyers Training Center. They had finally gotten that 0-6-3 monkey off their backs.

Denver Barkey could sense the more relaxed atmosphere.

“Nice to get the first one out of the way but a lot of work to go,” said Barkey after the workout at the Flyers Training Center. “Kind of ride the wave now. We got one win and looking to stack a few. Continue to grow as a team.

“I think we’ve gotten better the last few games and to get rewarded was nice. Try to enjoy it and ride the wave now.”

Coach Rick Tocchet noticed a change in this practice.

“This group for the most part has been pretty energized,” he said. “After a loss maybe they’re a little solumn, which is normal. But most of those guys, after a win, or after a loss, they’re pretty energetic. It’s nice to see.”

The Flyers cut down on their mistakes in the Ottawa game and hope to continue that trend.

“I think the big thing is executing the systems,” Barkey said. “And staying connected. That’s when we’re playing our best hockey, executing at high speed. I think we got a little bit of our swagger back yesterday. We’re just looking to build off that. A confidence-builder for all of us.”

>Higher shot production

Against Ottawa the Flyers were able to unload 28 shots on net, one off their season high. Since there’s such a big negative differential for the season, this was a bit of a big deal.

“We executed the system for a full 60 minutes,” Barkey noted. “I think our focus was to have a shot-first mindset for the most part. The important thing was just getting shots through. When you do get a shot on the goalie, try not missing the net.”

Simplifying the offense usually leads to a higher shot production.

“I think we’re establishing a forecheck,” Nick Seeler said. “Simplify but in the right way. I think the ‘D’ can get a few more shots through and that can create a little more offense. And guys going to the net, getting those greasy goals. Start with that and grow our game from there.”

Added Tocchet: “We’ve been preaching all year, get more pucks to the net. I thought the execution was better, the forecheck was better. That probably means you’re going to have the puck more and a chance to shoot the puck.”

>Stirring message

Flyers analyst Jason Myrtetus, a cancer survivor, gave an inspirational message to the team and apparently it resonated with everyone in the locker room.

The upshot of that speech was that hockey might be relevant but life-threatening battles are much more significant in people’s lives.

After Saturday night’s game, Myrtetus received the Flyers’ game puck from Tocchet.

“He (Myrtetus) is an incredible person,” Seeler said. “To come into our room, share his story, it’s an incredible story. He was in a battle for his life. It certainly puts things into perspective.

“We’re playing a hockey game and he’s battling cancer. So for him to do that, it meant the world to our group. We think the world of Jason. He’s an amazing human being.”

>Injuries update

Both Tyson Foerster and Sean Couturier did not take part in Sunday’s practice due to injuries suffered in Saturday night’s game. Foerster was hit in the hand by a shot in the first period but did return to finish the game.

Couturier got banged up later in the game. Tocchet is calling Couturier’s status vs. the Avalanche a game-time decision.

Also, Owen Tippett missed the Ottawa game and his status is uncertain.