New Lineup Spark Ignites Flyers' Win Over Sabres
The Flyers got a much-needed boost from their new line combination, as Nikita Grebenkin, Noah Cates, and Bobby Brink found an early spark that carried over into the rest of the game. The trio needed something to go right after being shuffled around in the lineup, with Grebenkin struggling for minutes and Cates and Brink going without a point since late November.
Brink got things started with a first-period goal, while Cates added another in the second period. Grebenkin's contribution came from a turnover at the blue line, where he collected a loose puck and fed it to Brink for an easy tap-in. It was just one of several chances the new line created, as they controlled play against a Sabres team that struggled to contain them.
Coach Rick Tocchet acknowledged that Grebenkin's ice time was limited due to his penalty minutes, but praised his effort when he did get on the ice. "The penalties kill those type of guys," Tocchet said. "But what I like about it is that he sat and then he went out there and he's spinning his legs. That's hard to do."
With Tyson Foerster out for several weeks, Grebenkin, Cates, and Brink have been tasked with stepping up their production. The result was a 5-2 win over the Sabres, as the new line found its footing and carried the team through the rest of the game.
For Cates, playing with Grebenkin again brought out the best in both players. "He's always flying out there and making plays," Cates said. "So just kinda the more we play together, the more we can learn and build that chemistry and that trust."
The Flyers' win was a welcome boost for the team, which has struggled with injuries and inconsistent production this season. With Foerster out of commission, Grebenkin, Cates, and Brink are now being asked to carry the load – and they've taken an important step in doing so.
The Flyers got a much-needed boost from their new line combination, as Nikita Grebenkin, Noah Cates, and Bobby Brink found an early spark that carried over into the rest of the game. The trio needed something to go right after being shuffled around in the lineup, with Grebenkin struggling for minutes and Cates and Brink going without a point since late November.
Brink got things started with a first-period goal, while Cates added another in the second period. Grebenkin's contribution came from a turnover at the blue line, where he collected a loose puck and fed it to Brink for an easy tap-in. It was just one of several chances the new line created, as they controlled play against a Sabres team that struggled to contain them.
Coach Rick Tocchet acknowledged that Grebenkin's ice time was limited due to his penalty minutes, but praised his effort when he did get on the ice. "The penalties kill those type of guys," Tocchet said. "But what I like about it is that he sat and then he went out there and he's spinning his legs. That's hard to do."
With Tyson Foerster out for several weeks, Grebenkin, Cates, and Brink have been tasked with stepping up their production. The result was a 5-2 win over the Sabres, as the new line found its footing and carried the team through the rest of the game.
For Cates, playing with Grebenkin again brought out the best in both players. "He's always flying out there and making plays," Cates said. "So just kinda the more we play together, the more we can learn and build that chemistry and that trust."
The Flyers' win was a welcome boost for the team, which has struggled with injuries and inconsistent production this season. With Foerster out of commission, Grebenkin, Cates, and Brink are now being asked to carry the load – and they've taken an important step in doing so.
! I mean, who needs experienced players like Tyson Foerster when you can slap together some youngsters? Grebenkin's limited ice time and penalty minutes were the only things that made him stand out, but even that was just because he was trying to make an effort. Brink and Cates are just riding his coattails - they'd be lucky if they could replicate this performance without their buddy Grebenkin carrying them 
.
. Nikita Grebenkin's all or nothing approach is really paying off, and that effort from him when he's on ice is pretty inspiring 
. Noah Cates seems like a great teammate, always flying around and making plays - it's awesome to see them building that chemistry with Brink too 
. It's not ideal that Foerster's out for weeks, but at least the new line has taken some of the pressure off 
. This win is definitely a much-needed boost for the team, let's keep hoping this momentum carries over 
!
The way Cates is feeding off Grebenkin's energy is huge too – it's all about building that chemistry and trust, right? 
, and that turnover play where he fed Brink for the goal was AMAZING!!! 
️ The way Cates is playing with him again is like magic 
, they're literally creating chances left and right! 
It's a huge win for the Flyers and I'm so proud of these guys for stepping up their game 
. This new line is gonna be EVERYTHING!!! 
and cates' 2 goals were pure highlight reel stuff 