A Thin Orange Line: Flyers Lines and What Should Change

      Scott Hartnell's lack of production could warrant a deduction in ice-time.

The Flyers record is truly telling of the squad’s consistent inconsistency.

They’ve taken steps forward with wins where they’ve looked like a contender. The wins are usually followed shortly by steps back with losses, where they look like a pretender, ultimately looking like some sad Christmas party congo line.

In hockey, one thing a team can do to get more consistency is to find line combinations that have each line working well with each other.  Not only that, but lines that compliment the entire team. 

Like wine with your salmon, or beer with your cheese steak, it’s all about getting parts complimenting each other.  You wouldn’t want to mix ketchup with hummus.  That’s just disgusting.

If it isn’t obvious, the Flyers need to find those combinations to get the consistency the orange and black faithful crave, or the results at the end of the season will be equally as disgusting.

The cumulative effort of 4 lines that can possess the puck, be defensively responsible, and generate scoring chances while wearing the opposition down is what all hockey teams crave out of a team. 

So without further adieu, it’s time to take a look at the Flyers line combinations, and suggested changes to the current ones.

1^st Line

Currently: LW Raffle, C Giroux, RW Voracek

As you have probably been seeing recently, a man born in Hearst, Ontario has captivated our eyes and dazzled our faces with one of the best goals of the season. Claude Giroux wasn’t looking at the net when he was falling face first and roofing his backhanded shot against the Blue Jackets last Thursday, but that seldom matters when you have the skill which Giroux possesses. Giroux teams with Jakub Voracek, who has the size and speed to be much better than his stats would indicate, but he (along with Giroux) has been on a hot streak.  Voracek has 26 points in 36 games played, with nine of the points coming in his last five games. Can it be because of the team’s switch on the line from Scott Hartnell (a power forward) to Michael Raffl (a skilled skater)?  It seems like the Flyers stuck with Hartnell on this top line way too long, and Raffl gives the top line a winger who can setup Giroux and Voracek with his passing and skating ability. Hartnell, on the other hand, has only six goals in 36 games. 

Suggested Changes (If Everyone is Healthy)

LW Lecavalier, C Giroux, RW Voracek

While Raffl’s successes have been impressive, you would have to think the Flyers team wants the best players out on the first line.  With Vincent Lacavalier coming back, it’s time for the squad to put him on the top line with Giroux and Voracek.  It’s important for the team to see the team’s three top-skilled players on the ice at the same time.  This would do it for the Flyers.

2^nd Line

Currently: LW Hartnell, C Schenn, RW Simmonds

There’s no getting around it, this line is lacking a sniper.  A skilled player that is a threat to score at anytime.  But the Flyers hope what they lack in skill they make for in grit and physicality. 

The trio has to be one of the Flyers’ best at wearing down and imposing their will of the opposing team.  Since the loss of Vinny Lecavalier, Hartnell was moved to the left wing and the squad shifted to this lineup in lieu of a playmaker. 

Suggested Changes (If Everyone is Healthy)

LW Raffl, C Schenn, RW Simmonds

Raffl is the obvious replacement here, seeing what he can generate on a top line, and expecting him to generate scoring chances for the brusing Brayden Schenn and cycling Wayne Simmonds. Adding Raffl to this group might give this line the ability to create plays instead of simply trying to club the opposition in the head like a caveman in the Pleistocene.

3^rd Line

Currently: LW Downie, C Couturier, RW Read

The team’s most consistent line acquired that moniker when they acquired Steve Downie in a trade in exchange for Maxime Talbot from the Colorado Avalanche. The scrappy Downie was just the piece that Sean Couturier and Matt Read needed, creating the space that skilled players need to make scoring chances and keeping plays alive.  The chemistry is there for the long hall, as all of these players are relatively young.

Suggested Changes: None.

Sean Couturier has grown to become the player the Flyers always thought he could be, as it appears Steve Downie has given him enough space and grit to make plays.  Matt Read has flourished for the Flyers, leading the team in goals.  I wouldn't break up this line for all the ice on Mars.

4th Line

Currently: LW VandeVelde, C Hall, RW Rinaldo

The fourth line, as typical with most teams, is used primarily to get under the skin of the opposing team or win an important faceoff (as Adam Hall often does; the guy has been a beast in the faceoff circle this year).  With the addition of Chris VandeVelde (called up from the Flyers affiliate) recently, the team has seen an increase in production from te fourth line.  They'll dress Jay Rosehill at the Left Wing position when the team needs a brawler on the ice. 

Suggested Changes (If Everyone is Healthy)

LW Hartnell, C Hall, RW Rinaldo

It seems like the Flyers should place Hartnell on the line that plays the least, where the least is expected as well.  Hartnell would still see a big amount of time on the powerplay.

If the Flyers coaching staff can find other changes that help the team become more consistent, the Flyers might find the consistency they seek.