Preseason opener marks “first opportunity” to impress for Flyers

If it seems like just yesterday the Flyers were arriving into town for the start of training camp, well, you’re pretty much right.

It’s only been three days since camp got underway for the Flyers, but they’ll take to the ice for their first preseason action in a split-squad affair against the New Jersey Devils and New York Islanders.

Unlike most sports, hockey doesn’t offer much of a “warm-up” period. Once you arrive, it’s full steam ahead. Whereas baseball has a few weeks of preparation before exhibitions get started and football has an entire summer, the NHL likes to get the ball rolling from the get-go.

This is well-received by the players, especially the ones looking to making first-time impressions.

“It’s going to be a big opportunity for a lot of guys,” said Taylor Leier, who most likely will start the season with Lehigh Valley.

“It’s the first opportunity for some guys tomorrow,” said head coach Dave Hakstol. “That being said, it’s a valuable opportunity for everybody. The guys that are in the lineup have to take advantage of that tomorrow.”

With that being said, which players in tomorrow night’s lineup need to capitalize on that first opportunity the most?

@ NJ Devils

Travis Konecny

Above everyone else, Konecny can’t afford any setbacks or sloppy performances in a camp where he needs to be almost perfect to force Ron Hextall’s hand. He was held out of Sunday’s scrimmage for precautionary reasons, but he’ll be a full participant on Monday night. Having missed that intersquad scrimmage, it’ll be a big boost to his stock if he comes out and makes some play in the opener. Even more important, he’ll be on the team coached by Hakstol. It’s always nice to impress the head coach when you get the chance.

Roman Lyubimov

There’s a real shot he pushes Chris VandeVelde out of his fourth line position with a strong camp. Management seems to like what Lyubimov offers – a physical, defensive two-way style of play. When asked who he models his game after, Lyubimov – perhaps looking for some bonus points with the fans – said that of Sean Couturier’s. If he’s half of what No. 14 does on the ice, he’ll be a lock for that fourth line.

Alex Lyon

In regards to the Phantoms goaltending situation, Lyon could very well earn the starting job over Anthony Stolarz. It’ll be a tall order for the Yale product, but Lyon is up for the challenge. He says he’s betting on himself with the one-year deal he signed, believing he can come in right away and make an impression. What better way to do that then with a strong showing in the preseason opener playing on the better of the two split-squad teams (coached by Hakstol and Phantoms assistant coach, Kerry Huffman).

@ NY Islanders

Jordan Weal

While appearing destined for the Phantoms, Weal could definitely find his way onto the Flyers roster with a breakout camp, especially with Brayden Schenn serving a three-game suspension to begin the season. In the game with the Islanders, Weal will most likely work on a line with Nick Cousins, which should receive plenty of minutes and in turn, plenty of opportunities to leave an impression. Weal needs to turn heads this camp if he wants to stick around at the top level.