When Brian Elliott signed with the Philadelphia Flyers in 2017, the 9-year pro was tasked with the starting duties. Just two years later, the 33-year-old Elliott was replaced by 20-year-old Carter Hart as the starter.
Last season & the latter part of the 2018-2019 season, the Flyers have been led by the duo of Brian Elliott and Carter Hart. A duo that has combined for 61-wins & the Flyers first playoff series win since 2012 last season. Something that Elliott says is motivation for the duo.
“How close we got in the bubble there in Toronto, one win away from being in the final four there. It gives motivation,” Elliott said about why he re-signed in Philadelphia this offseason. “You only get so many kicks at the can here. I feel like this group really has a good shot.”
Elliott continued saying “we will have to manage workloads- forwards, defensemen and goalies all together. I think Hartsy and I are working hard together right now to get into that game frame of mind because we don’t have many opportunities here before we start on the 13th.”
Those opportunities will come fast for the duo. With just 6-days til the Flyers opener, the duo’s only game action will come during scrimmages at practice & the Flyers Orange-Black Exhibition inter-squad game on Sunday. Which is why Carter Hart took some time off to be prepared for the fast-paced preseason & season.
“That’s why I didn’t touch the ice until November 3rd. So, I took about almost two months off the ice there,” Hart responded when asked about the condensed schedule. “I made a decision with my goalie coach here that it was best I take a little bit more time off the ice to get my body some more rest.”
Hart continued saying “I felt more fresh coming into the start of my offseason on the ice just for preparation and what will be a condensed schedule. I think now, more than ever, obviously it is always important, but now taking care of your body off the ice is going to be more crucial in a shortened season.”
That task will be up to head coach Alain Vigneault. Who has gone through it before & is ready for the shortened season.
“Our whole coaching staff has experience in shortened seasons,” Vigneault said in reference to the shortened season. “We also did our homework. We called a few coaches that were around in ‘94 and ’95. Asked a few of them what they did. I was with Vancouver during the last 48. So, I went through my notes and some of the things I did. Myself going through this before and me checking with other guys who have gone through this experience, I believe that’s going to get our team prepared and ready to go for meaningful games on the 13th.”
In year 2 of the Alain Vigneault era, that experience & homework will be heavily relied on.
Bill Clement Retires
Former Flyers player & broadcaster Bill Clement is retiring. This time from broadcasting.
Clement, who spent four years playing in Philadelphia (1971-1975), joined the Flyers broadcast team in 2007 after 21-years with ESPN from 1986-2007. Over the past 14-seasons, Clement has been apart of the Flyers pre-game/post-game as well as filling in as the color-commentator for Flyers games.
Congrats on your success & wish you well in retirement Bill.
Photo Credit : Zack Hill – Flyers PR
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