NHL Rumors: Philadelphia Flyers’ Fourth Line
Today marks the final line combination preview for the Philadelphia Flyers. Over the past week we looked at how the Flyers could possibly assemble their offensive attack. With the amount of skill that the Flyers have, their options for their fourth line give them a mix of grit, bully-ability, as well as some skill.
Maxime Talbot: Talbot was one of the most underrated signings from a season ago. He was coming off of a decent year but the Pittsburgh Penguins decided to let him go. Paul Holmgren was quick to jump and sign the Stanley Cup champion. Talbot’s signing payed big dividends for the Flyers. In 81 games, Talbot recorded 34 points but also scored 19 goals, which was a career high. Keeping Talbot on the fourth line gives the Flyers some more depth at center as well as the wing. Talbot’s ability to kill penalties could give more playing time this season.
Zac Rinaldo: Rinaldo is a 22-year old from Canada whose game is based on power and hitting. Rinaldo was a force of nature for the Flyers. Sometimes, it was for a bad reason. Rinaldo recorded 232 penalty minutes, but he did have 9 points on the season. His level of intensity always got the crowd at the Wells Fargo Center into the game. Placing Rinaldo on the fourth line will bring a big punch for this Flyers’ checking line.
Ruslan Fedotenko: Fedotenko brings both skill and grit to a line that might need both. With the experience that he has, Fedotenko could help Rinaldo keep his mind in the game a lot more often, which could take away the bad penalties.
Both Fedotenko and Talbot could have a good opportunity to mentor Rinaldo even more. These three players on the same line together could create some matchup problems for opposing teams. Look for the Flyers to take advantage of this line.
Finally, here is a quick review of what the Flyers’ line combinations could look like:
1st Line: Scott Hartnell, Claude Giroux, Jakub Voracek
2nd Line: Wayne Simmonds, Daniel Briere, Matt Read
3rd Line: Brayden Schenn, Sean Couturier, Eric Wellwood
4th Line: Zac Rinaldo, Maxime Talbot, Ruslan Fedotenko
With the way that these lines are assembled, the Flyers could easily be a top 3 team in the Eastern Conference. Look for the Flyers to be a great team this season. Let’s just hope that there is not a lockout.
David A. Cattai is the Featured Writer for the Philadelphia Flyers with Rant Sports, Beat Writer covering the Philadelphia Phillies’ for Buzz On Broad and Phillies’ Analyst for Philly Sports Nut.
Follow me on Twitter @DCattaiSports for all Flyers, Phillies, NHL, and MLB sports updates.
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