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Philadelphia Flyers: The Kids Got a Chance

By Patrick Lawson

Feb 16, 2016; Newark, NJ, USA; Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere (53) celebrates his goal with teammates during the first period of their game against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 16, 2016; Newark, NJ, USA; Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere (53) celebrates his goal with teammates during the first period of their game against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports /
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With the Philadelphia Flyers officially eliminated from playoff contention, the last few games of the season are a showcase for rookies.

The time has finally come for, recently signed, Mike Vecchione and Sam Morin. The two Philadelphia Flyers’ rookies made their NHL debuts Tuesday night against the New Jersey Devils.

Vecchione, who signed a contract with the Philadelphia Flyers last Friday, centered Chris VandeVelde and Colin McDonald. He played eight minutes and 15 seconds of ice-time without registering point. Vecchione did showoff his faceoff ability by winning five of seven faceoffs.

Other than that, it was a solid debut for Vecchione. It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t great. He put in a good shift and showed that he can play a solid-two way game. In college, Vecchione was regarded as a fast skater and his speed was evident against the Devils.

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Vecchione did not get any real scoring chances during the game. The biggest thing for Vecchione is going to be adjusting to the speed of the NHL game. The jump from college to the NHL can be a challenging one, but Vecchione has some guidance in the form of former Union College teammate Shayne Gostisbehere.

Vecchione will not be in action Saturday against the Columbus Blue Jackets. He has the Hobey Baker Award ceremony on Thursday and Friday in Chicago. Hopefully, he comes back with the award.

Sam Morin

The other Philadelphia Flyer rookie making his NHL debut Tuesday night was 6ft-7 defenseman, Sam Morin. It has been a rather long road to the NHL for the 2013 1st-round pick. Morin spent the last two years with the Philadelphia Flyers’ minor league team the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.

In the minors, Morin has experienced gradual improvements in his game. It takes a little bit more time for a player as big as Morin to fully develop into an NHL player. However, a couple of years ago he was one of the final cuts coming out of training camp.

Philadelphia Flyers
Jun 30, 2013; Newark, NJ, USA; Samuel Morin poses for a photo with team officials after being introduced as the number eleven overall pick to the Philadelphia Flyers during the 2013 NHL Draft at the Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports /

Morin didn’t have to worry about being cut on Tuesday night, he was paired with Shayne Gostisbehere. The two look to be a good pairing in the future. Morin is a stay at home defensive defenseman, and Ghost is an offensive defenseman. The big defenseman showed off his defensive prowess against the Devils.

Morin logged 17 minutes and 47 seconds of ice-time along with three minutes on the penalty kill. He plays a physical game with the Phantoms and that translated to the NHL. When he hits someone, it can be heard.

Big defensemen tend not to be good skaters; Morin is the exact opposite of that assumption. His skating ability showed against the Devils. In one of the highlights of the night, Morin caught up to speedy Devils forward Taylor Hall and broke up the play.

The youth is slowly making its way to the NHL for the Philadelphia Flyers and it has not disappointed.

Next: The Flyers’ Season is Over, Now What?

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On Wednesday, the Philadelphia Flyers sent forward Colin McDonald and defenseman Sam Morin back down to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.

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