Del Zotto stepping into leadership role for Flyers

It started when Mark Streit went down with an injury, but Michael Del Zotto really emerged as a workhorse in the last three games.

In the Flyers Black Friday game, which went to overtime, Del Zotto played 25:34. In Saturday's shutout win against the Rangers, Del Zotto played 29:20 as the Flyers dealt with a shorthanded defensive staff. In Tuesday's win over Ottawa, he played 26:55.

Already one of the veterans on the blue line for the Flyers, Del Zotto has become a leader. And unlike some of his partners defensively, he could have a long-term place with the Flyers.

The big question with the five defensive prospects the Flyers have acquired in recent draft years has always been when. For two, Ivan Provorov and Travis Sanheim, the answer is not this year. They will play out their time in juniors before making trying to make the jump again next season.

For one, Shayne Gostisbehere, the time is now, and he's proven he belongs at this level, scoring his fourth goal in nine games on Tuesday and has looked comfortable in his first action at the NHL level.

For two others, Robert Hagg and Sam Morin, it's more time in the AHL.

But that number, five, leaves one open blue line space. By the time all five reach the NHL, guys like Streit, Nick Schultz and Luke Schenn will likely be Flyers of the past.

But what about Del Zotto? At just 25, he could be the veteran of the Flyers emerging young blue-line core. 

Last season, Del Zotto revitalized his career with offensive numbers reminiscent to early in his career. He tied a career-high with 10 goals and posted the third-highest point total of his career, 32, most since 41 in his third season. 

To this point, Del Zotto has just six points on the season, but given his new role, a leader on defense with a special attention to staying back and nullifying chances for the opposition. In his last three games, Del Zotto has three points and is a plus-4 after having just three points and being a minus-12 in his first 22 games.

But points are only half the story with Del Zotto. His extended ice time in the absence of Streit has been a greater responsibility for the defenseman and so far, he's embraced it and risen to the occasion.

Sometimes, as certain players go, a team goes. If Gostisbehere's arrival has pumped some life into the offense, Del Zotto's increased ice time has been a breath of fresh air for the defense, who has played solid hockey for the last five games.

The Flyers are 4-1-0 in their last five games, but have scored 14 goals, an average of 2.8 goals per game, while allowing nine goals, an average of 1.8 goals per game. One of those goals was an empty-net goal against to seal their only loss in the five-game stretch.

With Streit still out until likely after Christmas, Del Zotto will assume a similar role for another nine games at the very least. And if he continues to have similar success, it could make him the defensive leader as the prospects come up.

Kevin Durso is managing editor for Flyerdelphia. Follow him on Twitter @Kevin_Durso.