At training camp this summer, rookie Sean Couturier was considered a long shot to make the Flyers roster.
On Monday, however, he practiced on the teams top line with Jaromir Jagr and Scott Hartnell, selected by coach Peter Laviolette to take the place of the injured Claude Giroux (See blog post).
What a difference five months makes.
You know, we had to move somebody up, Laviolette said. Claude wasnt on the ice. We finished the game that way the other night, we had moved Sean up there. He generated two or three good quality scoring chances.Just based on the way he finished the game the other night, we thought he did a good job, so we put him there in practice.
Laviolette declined to discuss his plans for Tuesdays game against the Capitals in Washington D.C., but its fair to assume Couturier will move off the fourth line and play in Girouxs place when the two teams meet at the Verizon Center.
Couturier, who just turned 19 last week, is known as a steady, defensive-minded center, despite his youth. Hes spent time on the penalty kill and is tied for second in the NHL among rookies in plusminus, with a plus-3.
His role will changeat least a biton Tuesday. Hes got five goals and three assists on the season, but playing on the top line means there will be an onus on him to generate more offense. Hes without a goal in the Flyers last 14 games.
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I try to play the same way, two-way forward, Couturier said, describing what its like skating alongside Hartnell and Jagr. I still have to take care of my own end first. When were in the offensive zone, we obviously can create more. With those two guys, they have a lot of talent so its easier to create stuff.
And, he said, he wont be feeling any additional stress, adding: Its an opportunity, so I try to see it that way and just do what I can do to help the team.
The move to the top line also means Couturier will have to adjust to playing with a guy like Jagr, a veteran whos known for his playmaking ability, to put it lightly. Thats something hes already considered.
When youre on the bench, you say wow, but when youre out there, youve got to be ready for those wow plays, Couturier said. Ive just got to be ready and prepare to get some nice passes.
Jagr had some hefty praise for Couturier, as well.
I think all of his game is underrated, Jagr said. I can see hes a great player. When hes had a chance to play, hes a very good player. Hes got a lot of scoring chances on penalty kills. Not many guys can do that.
During the brief time they played together in the win over Tampa Bay on Saturday, Jagr, Hartnell and Couturier did generate a handful of chances and seemed to mesh well together. Reflecting on how things went, Jagr said he was pleased.
I thought we played good, he said. I thought we had some chances to score. We didnt spend much time in our zone. That was a positive.
Despite mounting injuries (Chris Pronger and Brayden Schenn are out indefinitely with concussions), the Flyers have managed to persevere. Theyve won their last five games, and maintain top standing in both the Eastern Conference and Atlantic Division. The loss of Girouxfor however long it lastsis just the latest test for a team thats constantly pressed to demonstrate its resiliency.
Yes, Claude is a major part of our offense, Danny Briere said. We have to play without him, we cant sit back and feel sorry for ourselves. Thats the last thing thats going to help us. We have to keep doing the same thing we have, keep working hardWere known as a team that works hard, skates hard. We have to keep doing the same thing.
As Briere also said, the injuries have given younger players a chance to contribute in new and increased ways. The team has been lucky that, despite its relative youth, it has continued to succeed when forced to adapt.
His coach, however, doesnt see it that way.
I dont even look at it like that anymore, Laviolette said. I know there are young players in here, rookies, but theyve done such a good job for us and filled so many roles. I dont necessarily call them young players. I just call them by name or their number or their line. Theyve done what weve asked and done a good job of it.
As for the rookie whos found himself promoted to the top line, theres one thing he intends to do a better job of against the Capitals.
If you take a look at last game, a couple unbelievable passes that I should have scored but I maybe wasnt as ready as I should, he said. So next game, Ive got to be ready.
E-mail Sarah Baicker at sbaicker@comcastsportsnet.com