Flyers Line Sparkled with Nikita Grebenkin, Noah Cates, and Bobby Brink in 5-2 Win Over Sabres
The Flyers finally found their chemistry between lines when Nikita Grebenkin, Noah Cates, and Bobby Brink were reunited. Grebenkin needed to create some offense after limited minutes in the checking role, while Cates and Brink required a scoring spark following a drought since November 22.
Brink scored in the first period, putting an emphatic stamp on a rally of three goals in 59 seconds. Cates followed with a score in the second, and Grebenkin added an assist on the turnover that led to Brink's goal, keeping play onside at the blue line. The three players skated with noticeable jump, producing chances and controlling the puck against the struggling Sabres.
"We've been playing together for a year now," head coach Rick Tocchet said of reuniting Cates and Brink, "so Tyson went out, put them back, and see if they get the chemistry." The line found it, with Grebenkin also displaying some jump according to Tocchet. However, his ice time was limited at even strength due to six penalties taken by the Flyers.
Tocchet praised Grebenkin's effort, saying he "sat and then went out there and spun his legs" despite being sent back into action after sitting for most of the game. This shows that when Foerster is down, players like Grebenkin need to step up their game, which was evident in his performance.
The win marked a turning point for the team, with Cates calling it "awesome tonight." The chemistry between lines is crucial with Foerster out for two to three months. With players like Brink and Cates skating downhill alongside Grebenkin, they can learn and build their trust, leading to more effective performances down the stretch.
The Flyers' next test will be crucial in determining whether this new line spark can carry them through the remainder of the season.
The Flyers finally found their chemistry between lines when Nikita Grebenkin, Noah Cates, and Bobby Brink were reunited. Grebenkin needed to create some offense after limited minutes in the checking role, while Cates and Brink required a scoring spark following a drought since November 22.
Brink scored in the first period, putting an emphatic stamp on a rally of three goals in 59 seconds. Cates followed with a score in the second, and Grebenkin added an assist on the turnover that led to Brink's goal, keeping play onside at the blue line. The three players skated with noticeable jump, producing chances and controlling the puck against the struggling Sabres.
"We've been playing together for a year now," head coach Rick Tocchet said of reuniting Cates and Brink, "so Tyson went out, put them back, and see if they get the chemistry." The line found it, with Grebenkin also displaying some jump according to Tocchet. However, his ice time was limited at even strength due to six penalties taken by the Flyers.
Tocchet praised Grebenkin's effort, saying he "sat and then went out there and spun his legs" despite being sent back into action after sitting for most of the game. This shows that when Foerster is down, players like Grebenkin need to step up their game, which was evident in his performance.
The win marked a turning point for the team, with Cates calling it "awesome tonight." The chemistry between lines is crucial with Foerster out for two to three months. With players like Brink and Cates skating downhill alongside Grebenkin, they can learn and build their trust, leading to more effective performances down the stretch.
The Flyers' next test will be crucial in determining whether this new line spark can carry them through the remainder of the season.