NHL Rumors: Philadelphia Flyers’ Second Line Starters
The Philadelphia Flyers did not have a hard time scoring the puck last season. In fact, they were second in the league averaging 3.17 goals per game. To keep the scoring the way it was for this season is one of the keys for the Flyers. I believe that keeping together some of the successful line combinations could only increase the amount of goals scored. If the Flyers can keep the chemistry between their second line last season going, then the Flyers have a chance to be a lethal goal scoring juggernaut.
Let’s take a look at who I believe should play on the second line this season.
Daniel Briere: Briere had a productive year in 2011-2012. Though he played 70 games, Briere was able to record 49 points. His offensive attack did not come out until it really mattered. Briere put on a great playoffs for the Flyers. I have said that Briere performs his best when it matters but always contributes whenever he can. He is also one of my candidates for the Flyers next captain. Putting Briere on the second line gives the Flyers a great scorer who is very accurate with many of his shots.
Wayne Simmonds: Simmonds emerged as a great two way player in his first season with the orange and black. Simmonds recorded 49 points while playing in his first full season since his rookie year with the Los Angeles Kings. His 49 points were a career high. Offensively, Simmonds was key on the power play as he would put a big body in front of the goaltender and he would then feed off of rebounds. Defensively, Simmonds brings grit and determination to a club that has the reputation of being “bullies”. Keeping Simmonds on the second line only opens up more opportunity to thrive offensively with Briere but it also gives the second line some punch.
Now, Simmonds and Briere should both be definites on the second line. Both of these next two players could easily fill the third spot on the line.
Matt Read: Read was phenomenal in his first season in the NHL. Read recorded 47 points while playing 79 games. Putting him on a line with Simmonds and Briere could only increase his point total. Read also has shown that he plays with a lot of passion and grit, which is what the Flyers want to have on all of their lines. I would personally like to see Read play on the second line just because he could thrive with the leadership of Simmonds and Briere.
(OR)
Brayden Schenn: Schenn was the coveted player in the Mike Richards deal last summer. Schenn was able to quickly become one of the Flyers best young players. Though his point total dipped due to injury, his 18 points in 54 games were still a big help to the team. In the playoffs, Schenn recorded 9 points. His play shows that he could develop into a great star for the Flyers.
The Flyers do have many options with their second line this season. Whatever choice they do make, the Flyers will benefit greatly.
David A. Cattai is the Featured Writer for the Philadelphia Flyers with Rant Sports, Beat Writer covering the Philadelphia Phillies’ for Buzz On Broad and Phillies’ Analyst for Philly Sports Nut.
Follow me on Twitter @DCattaiSports for all Flyers, Phillies, NHL, and MLB sports updates.
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