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The Philadelphia Flyers are only six games into the season, but currently sit at a 3-2-1 record, which is a far better record than some (myself included) were expecting.
One of the main reasons for the Flyers’ solid start has been the team’s secondary scoring, which unlike last season has actually been far better than the team’s top line. Both Brayden Schenn and Matt Read have scored twice this season and R. J. Umberger, who had a miserable 2014-15 season, has recorded three assists in three games played. But arguably the most impressive of the bunch has been Sam Gagner, whom the Flyers acquired from the Arizona Coyotes this summer.
In four games played, Gagner has scored two goals and recorded a helper alongside Scott Laughton and Schenn on the Flyers’ third line. Against the Boston Bruins Wednesday night, Gagner sniped one past Tuukka Rask early in the first period, helping the Flyers walk out of TD Garden with a thrilling 5-4 win. Gagner was originally supposed to be a healthy scratch for this game until Schenn was ruled out due to injury.
#snipe #PHIvsBOS pic.twitter.com/3G4A1wkrQj
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) October 22, 2015
Before the season began, the Flyers were actually thinking of buying Gagner out. Philly has an overabundance of natural centers in the lineup and it was unclear where Gagner would fit had they kept him.
Ultimately, the Flyers chose to keep Gagner, which was a smart move. After playing for the Edmonton Oilers for seven years and the Coyotes for just one, Gagner is playing on a contending hockey team for the first time in his career and it’s made a difference thus far.
Gagner has been good with the puck on his stick and has displayed some solid forechecking as well. He is a versatile forward who can play center or either wing position and is more than deserving of extra playing time with the Flyers.
Ryan Quigley is a Sports Writer for www.RantSports.com covering the NFL and the NHL. Follow him on Twitter @Quigs311 or add him to your network on LinkedIn or Google.\
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