Philadelphia Flyers' Giroux and Couturier Start on 4th Lines
As teams being practices for the World Cup, Philadelphia Flyers center Claude Giroux and Sean Couturier begin slotted in as 4th line centers
Teams have officially gathered and hit the ice for the World Cup of hockey. The “official” tournament is slated to being September 17, and there is a scheduled “pre-tournament” set to run from September 8 to the 14. That doesn’t leave much time for teams to prepare, assuming their players even dodged the injury bullet.
Reporters are checking out the practices, especially for Team Canada and Team North-America (under-23). The early reports peg Philadelphia Flyers Sean Couturier and Claude Giroux for the 4th lines on their respective squads.
I’m not all that surprised to see Giroux on Canada’s 4th line. He was a fringe selection for the powerful Canadian team, and may have been headed for the 13th forward spot. The withdrawals of Jamie Benn and Jeff Carter from the team may help Giroux’s chances for playing time, however. Furthermore, Giroux is one of the best power play players in the NHL, and could contribute there.
Regarding Couturier, Coots is currently buried behind much more offensive and faster players in Connor McDavid, Jack Eichel, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. McDavid and Eichel are still teenagers, but seen as franchise players, and Nugent-Hopkins is a former #1 overall pick.
Nothing is going to change regarding Couturier’s lagging behind in offensive ability, but Couturier’s skills are unique on this team of youngsters. I’d be surprised if he doesn’t get top-9 minutes one way or another for “Team North America.”
Giroux and Couturier are just 2 of 7 Philadelphia Flyers taking part in the World Cup. On that note, Shayne Gostisbehere practiced on the second pair for Team North America today with Jacob Trouba of the Winnipeg Jets.
Surely a lot will change in those lineups after several days of practice and the warm up games, so stay tuned and check out the TV schedule for games to finally see some hockey again!
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