TORONTO -- Wayne Simmonds was everything the Flyers wanted in their 4-0 shutout rout of the Maple Leafs.
He was effective on the penalty killa shorthanded breakaway and near goal; scored off a tip on the power play; and gave the Flyers that big-body look in front of the net.
Not bad, just kinda shaking out the cobwebs because I havent played since the first round of the playoffs last season, Simmonds said.
We kinda pressured their defense and were lucky to get a couple breakaways and 2-on-1s. Unfortunately, we didnt bury them but finished it off later in the game. That shorthanded break I had in the first, I thought I had it and tried to put it over goalie James Reimers pad.
Couturier racks up points
Rookie Sean Couturier played 17:06 with a goal, an assist and was 2. Nice one-timer from the right slot for the Flyers fourth goal in the third period.
Leafs center Joe Colborne tried to clear the puck and Couturier was right there for a quick, unexpected turnaround.
At the NHL level, you have to do everything quicker and all the little details quicker, Couturier said. That was one of those shots you have to react quick. Puck was there. I knew I had to do something before someone got on me. Turned around and shot the puck.
NHL
It really is competitive in camp with so many players trying to get that 13th spot or knock a regular into the unemployment line as the 12th forward.
Its tight, Couturier said. Im just trying to enjoy the experience here and make a good first impression and work hard. Whatever happens, I give everything.
He said his nerves were on edge, yet settled down within the game.
Rinaldo gets into the action
How about Zac Rinaldo getting a goal? Off the rush, takes a pass from Jakub Voracek and beats Reimer with a backhander.
We talked about that pass before the game, Rinaldo said. He said, stay down on the wing, Ill feed you the puck, use your speed to take it to the net. I did exactly what he said.
Read impressive
Matt Read was terrific. He played 17:14 and had an assist on Rinaldo's goal. Read centerd Rinaldo and Voracek.
Read is going to make the roster. He could bump Andreas Nodl off the team because he can handle the PK (2:34 tonight), he has offensive talent and he is lightning quick on his skates.
E-mail Tim Panaccio at tpanotch@comcast.net.