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Flyers-Islanders: Rookie Game Observations

(Photo: Kate Frese)

By Kevin Durso, Sports Talk Philly editor 

The Flyers opened up a 3-0 lead on the Islanders in the Rookie Game at PPL Center on Wednesday before the Islanders clawed their way back, closing the gap to 3-2 and then erasing a 4-2 deficit early in the third. They claimed the game in a shootout, 5-4.

For many of these players, this was their first real competition on the ice in a long time, and for several of them, this was a step up in competition, facing professional players.

Let’s take a look at five observations from Wednesday’s game.

Flyers Fall to Islanders in Shootout in Rookie Game

(Photo: Kate Frese)

By Kevin Durso, Sports Talk Philly editor 

It started off well for the Flyers rookies, but as the game wore on, the team simply lost steam. The Islanders rookies were able to turn a 3-0 deficit and 4-2 deficit after two periods into a 4-4 game early in the third.

The Flyers had their chances in overtime. Joel Farabee hit his second post of the game and missed the net on a breakaway moments later. In a shootout, Oliver Wahlstrom scored the only goal to lift the Islanders over the Flyers, 5-4, in the Rookie Game at PPL Center in Allentown on Wednesday night.

Flyers-Islanders: Rookie Game Preview

(Photo: Kate Frese)

By Kevin Durso, Sports Talk Philly editor 

After three days on the ice honing skills and working on drills, it’s time for the Flyers rookies to take the ice for a game.

The conclusion of Rookie Camp is upon us, as the Flyers prospects will take on the Islanders prospects in a game on Wednesday night at PPL Center in Allentown at 7 p.m.

Flyers Announce Training Camp Roster, Schedule

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By Kevin Durso, Sports Talk Philly editor 

Rookie Camp is set to come complete with the Rookie Game on Wednesday, setting the stage for the start of main training camp for the Flyers on Friday, Sept. 13.

In total, 63 players will participate in Flyers training camp -- 34 forwards, 22 defensemen and seven goalies. Training camp will run from Sept. 13 with regular on-ice sessions through Sept. 19. Following an off day on Sept. 20, the team will be back on the ice for sessions from Sept. 21 through Sept. 26, the team’s final preseason game in the US before they head to Europe for a final preseason game in Switzerland and the regular-season opener in Czech Republic.

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With Days Remaining Until Camp, Will Provorov, Konecny Contracts Get Resolved?

(Photo: Kate Frese)

By Kevin Durso, Sports Talk Philly editor 

The countdown is on for the Flyers when it comes to restricted free agents Ivan Provorov and Travis Konecny. Just three days remain before the team takes the ice for training camp. Most of the team has already arrived ahead of the start and held informal skating sessions and even a scrimmage on Monday.

Provorov and Konecny would be two notable absences from camp if new contracts aren’t signed by Friday.

Potential of Frost, Farabee, Ratcliffe on Full Display at Flyers Rookie Camp

Photo: Kate Frese

By Kevin Durso, Sports Talk Philly editor 

At Flyers Rookie Camp, it's become the orange line. The three players wearing orange jerseys at the first two days of Rookie Camp all figure to be a part of the Flyers future, maybe someday soon. After all, in a week they will be competing for a spot on the Flyers roster.

The trio of forwards are first-round picks Morgan Frost and Joel Farabee and second-round pick Isaac Ratcliffe. The line has stood out significantly in the first days of Rookie Camp, and the idea that the line could play together for the Flyers someday is certainly a glimpse into the future.

Just don't tell Phantoms head coach Scott Gordon, who is running the Rookie Camp, that one of them may fall into place at the NHL level immediately this season.

"Sometimes I say this is going to be a pretty good line for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms," Gordon quipped on Saturday at Rookie Camp in Voorhees.

It may only be a couple of days of practice for the three rookies -- all turning pro full-time for the 2019-20 season -- but the chemistry is starting to form early.

Flyers Young Forwards Set to Take Center Stage at Rookie Camp

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By Kevin Durso, Sports Talk Philly editor 

Rookie Camp is the precursor to training camp, and for many of the Flyers prospects, this five-day period is about showing improvement and making the right preparations for the season. For a few of these prospects, this is the beginning of a month-long journey to solidify a roster spot.

Of the 28 prospects that will take the ice for Rookie Camp, seven are camp invites looking for an opportunity to join the pipeline. Their sights are not set on making the NHL just yet, but more about finding a more permanent home within an organization. Among the rest of the 21 prospects are a handful that do have NHL hopes.

All eyes will be on two forwards in particular. Morgan Frost has been a highly-touted prospect for the last two seasons. His pro days have arrived. The question is whether he starts his professional career with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms or makes the Flyers immediately. Joel Farabee has also quickly entered the fray after an excellent freshman season at Boston University. He signed his entry-level deal in the offseason, instantly vaulting the 19-year-old into professional hockey. Like Frost, he is looking to start his first pro season in the NHL.

Which Shayne Gostisbehere Will Flyers Get This Season?

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By Kevin Durso, Sports Talk Philly editor 

Flyers training camp doesn’t officially start for another week, but many players on the team are already in Voorhees, starting to take the ice for informal practices. One player who spend a large portion of the summer in the area is Shayne Gostisbehere.

It’s been another interesting summer for Gostisbehere. Last season, fresh off a 65-point career year, he watched his production decline again. Gostisbehere followed up a season with 13 goals and 52 assists in 2017-18 with nine goals and 28 assists for 37 points, the lowest total of his career. That kept his name in the rumor mill for most of the offseason as the Flyers starting making changes to try to shape their blue line.

Flyers expand analytics department under Chuck Fletcher

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By Rob Riches, Sports Talk Philly staff 

Entering his first full season as general manager, Chuck Fletcher will continue to emphasize analytics for the Flyers, the team announced Wednesday afternoon. 

Ian Anderson, who joined the club in 2014 as manager of hockey analytics, has been promoted to director of hockey analytics. Jacob Hurlbut, who has been on board since 2016, has been promoted to lead developer.