When you think about it, there weren’t many Flyers forwards during the preseason who really stood out on coach Craig Berube’s roster.
Still, there was someone who had a flicker of light bright enough to catch your eye -- journeyman center Blair Jones.
Jones made it known in exhibition play that he wanted a guaranteed contract rather than one that made him prone to being sent down to the Phantoms.
On Tuesday night, as the 0-2-1 Flyers try to win their first game against the Pacific Division-powerhouse Anaheim Ducks, Jones will finally crack the lineup for a regular-season game.
Vinny Lecavalier’s injury has forced a juggling of the lines with Pierre Edouard-Bellemare moving up to the second line and Jones replacing him on the fourth line with sparkplug Zac Rinaldo and Jason Akeson (see story).
“I’m excited to get in and help the team any way I can,” Jones said. “Bring some energy and hopefully we can get two points.”
Jones brings physicality to the line, whereas Bellemare brought speed and flash. They are two very different players. With Jones, it’s likely the line settles into what most fourth lines in the NHL are -- energy and checking. Not creating chances off speed, which is what Bellemare did with those two.
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“I’m just going to try and keep it simple early on,” Jones said. “Like you said, they have been making some plays and playing awesome. Hopefully, I can add something to that and contribute.”
Rinaldo says he needs to make a bit of an adjustment with Jones.
“I've got to use my hockey sense,” Rinaldo said. “They are two different types of players. One is right-hand and one is left-hand. With Jonesy, I might get the puck a little more.
“And be more patient because he is going to be looking to hit me because he is a right-hand shot and I’m left-handed. It [would] be easier. I've got to not be too far ahead of him. Kinda go up with him instead of using my full-out speed. Just compensate. And use my hockey sense more.”
Whatever the Flyers use against the Ducks, they need to get themselves a victory before heading to Dallas this weekend for a three-game road trip against the Stars, Blackhawks and Penguins.
If you saw any part of the Flyers' third period in their shootout loss to the Montreal Canadiens, you know this team is already pressing to get a W in the standings.
“Obviously, we want to win and get that out of the way,” Jones said. “But I think it’s too early to start squeezing the sticks too tight. I think we have confidence in here. Just work hard, play the right way and the results will fall.”