So many times in hockey, there is too much of a focus on the numbers, what the stat sheet reads after a game or the totals at a certain point in the season. Often times, that is used to unjustly judge a player's skill level.
Flyers GM Ron Hextall has always gone to bat for one player in particular who hasn't lit things up offensively but falls into a spotlight of sorts — a Top-10 pick, a rookie that took the organization by storm, a player that was so known for his offensive work in juniors that embraced the defensive aspect of the game at the pros — particularly for his age.
Sean Couturier, who is still just 23, was always the defensive catalyst for the Flyers, even going back to his rookie year when he was 18. But this season, more than ever, after an absence from the lineup for three games, the Flyers learned just how valuable he is in all phases of the game.
"We all forget how young Coots is," Hextall said. "He could be a senior in college right now and we're expecting big things from him. I think he's an underrated player. In saying that, we do need more offense and he's starting to deliver, but we can't forget that this kid, because he's been around forever it seems like, he's a young kid."
As the Flyers embarked on a month that will make or break their season, they got some of their stability back in the defensive end with Couturier's return in the Flyers 4-2 win on Tuesday night against Montreal.
In having Couturier back, the Flyers seemed to be a steady team on the defensive end and the penalty kill passed a crucial test in the closing minutes, killing off a five-minute major to preserve a win. It is in that defensive stability where Couturier may be the most valuable player the Flyers have.
"It’s tough coming back in the lineup especially with the pace of the game, a little bit frantic for the first 20-plus minutes," head coach Dave Hakstol said. "It’s a little tough coming back getting into it but I thought he did a good job settled in and played a good hockey game for us."
Couturier did have an assist on Matt Read's empty-net goal, bringing his season total to 14 assists and 23 points in 39 games. The offense is coming around for Couturier, and playing with several different teammates, among them Brayden Schenn, has helped his point production come around.
"It’s been working out pretty well and I have to just keep being the player that I am," Couturier said after the Flyers 4-0 win on Jan. 9 against the New York Islanders. "I’m always going to be a 200-foot guy where I’m solid defensively but when I have the chance to go on offense I’ve got to jump on it, and that’s what I’ve been doing."
But Couturier's contributions and real value come on the defensive end. And it could not have been more evident in the three games he's missed.
"He’s huge. Not only in the faceoff dot, but defensively," Shayne Gostisbehere said. "He’s a great defensive forward. He’s not too shabby on the offensive side, as well. He’s a great player, and you can see how much we really missed him out there. I’m glad he’s back in there."
The Flyers are 2-5-2 without Couturier in the lineup this season, one of those wins coming last Wednesday in Washington in a game the Flyers were honestly lucky to have even survived. The win in Washington snapped a three-game losing streak. Couturier missed two of those games, including a 4-3 loss in Pittsburgh, the Flyers first to the Penguins in more than two seasons.
In facing high-powered offenses and power plays, that's where Couturier does the most damage. He's been a thorn in the side for players like Evgeni Malkin and his teammates certainly seem to feel a comfort level with him on the ice.
What is so difficult to find is a player who can contain the bigger offensive threats like Malkin or Alex Ovechkin while still being able to put up points consistently. Prior to exiting the lineup, Couturier had points in five of his previous seven games while just continuing to grow as a defensive presence for the team.
"Coots is huge. Not just on the PK, but in all aspects of the game," Steve Mason said. "He’s a strong faceoff man, but more than anything, he’s just got a great reach. He’s a fast skater, he reads the play extremely well and just takes time and space away that not many guys can do. He’s a tough player to replace on this roster, for sure."
"He has a high level of abilities," Hextall said. "He sees the ice very well, he can make plays, he's got a good shot. He's probably, if not our best guy at protecting the puck, he's certainly one of them."
The Flyers stretch of eight games in 13 days and 15 games in the month of February will come down to containing top opponents and teams ahead of them in the standings. The Flyers get to face the New York Rangers twice and have games against Washington, New Jersey, Carolina and another meeting with Montreal.
A three-game pointless streak didn't derail their efforts and now the Flyers get their steady hand back for the stretch run. Couturier's calming presence in the lineup could certainly help the Flyers make some noise as the final games approach.
Kevin Durso is managing editor for Flyerdelphia. Follow him on Twitter @Kevin_Durso.
