NEWARK, N.J. -- Two games into the season, Scott Hartnell squarely put tonights game against the Devils in perspective after two Flyer losses to open the year.
We cant makes excuses anymore, Hartnell said. Were in a little bit of a hole right now to start the season and special teams have to step up tonight.
A Game 3 must-win? Division opponent? Absolutely. These games early. Two points are two points whether Game 3 or Game 40. I think we have to change our attitude like this is a game to get us in the playoffs.
We're looking for a little bit of a spark. It's not like we werent getting chances, but I think switching things up will get everyone a fresh start.
Coach Peter Laviolette completely revamped his lineup, changing all four lines.
I think when you find success, you tend to leave things alone, and when youre not getting the success you want, you change, Laviolette said.
Even offensively, 5-on-5, it needs to be a little better. Were at the early stages; we didnt have any exhibition games, so were trying to look at lines and combinations and see where were at.
Jakub Voracek will replace Brayden Schenn on the top line with Hartnell and centerman Claude Giroux.
Sean Couturier is between Ruslan Fedotenko and Matt Read. Rookie Scott Laughton centers Max Talbot and Eric Wellwood.
Schenn will center rookie call-up Tye McGinn, who he played with exclusively this season with the Phantoms, and Wayne Simmonds. McGinn is replacing the injured Zac Rinaldo (see story).
The big move is Voracek on the first line.
I think theyre two totally different players, Hartnell said. Brayden's a big body who can skate well, protects the puck well. Nothing against Brayden, but I think Jake's got a little bit more speed, especially down the wing.
I think that'll open up some free space for G to get some time with the puck to make plays.
Voracek predicted recently that whatever lines the Flyers began the season with would likely change.
Obviously, I'm going to play with one of the best players in the league, Voracek said. It's exciting. G holds the puck most of the time. He carries it through the neutral zone, so I just try to get some speed wide. We'll see how it's going to go.
The Devils ran the Flyers out of the second round of the playoffs in five games last spring. Dont think that hasnt been on the Flyers minds.
You always think about prior games in a building when you go into an away building, Hartnell said. They really took it to us.
They didn't give us anything in that series. I don't know if you call this game payback, or however you want to word it, but definitely that's gotta be a burr under our butts to play well.
The rookie
Its not often a call-up finds instant familiarity, but it works with McGinn because he played so many games with Schenn.
Weve played almost half a season together and I know what he likes to do out there and hopefully he knows what I like to do and we can contribute to each other out there, McGinn said. Its a bonus for me.
I was just hoping to get the call one day. I was ecstatic to get a call this early.
You never want to see an injury from anybody but to get the call, I was happy. I just tried to do what I can do.
I try to be a power forward. A big body out there going to the net. Bring a big presence out there. Hopefully, score a couple goals and do what I have to do to help the team win.
This will be his NHL debut. McGinn is the younger brother of former Flyer Jamie McGinn, now with Colorado.
Laviolette acknowledged familiarity helps both Schenn and McGinn in putting them on the same line.
I know he and Brayden played down in the minors together and they are comfortable with each other, he said.
I think when players get called up, you need to try to put them into positions where their role fits them. Hes a guy whos a big power forward; hes capable of offense and physical play, and we want to try to put him in a situation where we can utilize him.
Schenn said the adjustment to McGinn should be easy.
Hes a second year pro and hes going to get a chance to play in the NHL so Im excited for him and Im sure he will do well, Schenn said.
We played probably 28 games together. It took a while to get adjusted but after that, you get familiar with a guy and know what hes going to do on the ice and where he is going to be. For me and him playing down there, its going to help us.
Defensive change
Newly-acquired defenseman Kurtis Foster will not play tonight.
That mean Bruno Gervais will make his Flyer debut, playing alongside Andrej Meszaros.
Foster has some minor bruises and could play, if necessary, but the club felt his situation offered them a chance to play Gervais and see what he brings.
Gervais was a free-agent signing this past summer.
It's been a long wait, a couple extra months, so finally I'll get back in action and I'll be fun, Gervais said.
I want to get in the mix as fast I can. I have to be ready, and tonight I have an opportunity.
General manager Paul Holmgren called Gervais absence a maintenance day.
Loose pucks
Danny Briere skated but is not expected to play until this weekend against either Florida or Tampa Bay. ... Briere skated with healthy scratches Tommy Sestito and Jody Shelley at the morning skate.
E-mail Tim Panaccio at tpanotch@comcast.net