BOSTON – Although they both capped their impressive training camp performances with one last solid showing against the Boston Bruins on Saturday, Flyers rookie defenseman Ivan Provorov and forward Travis Konecny were sheepish when asked after the game if they felt like they had done enough to make the team.
But Flyers captain Claude Giroux was more than willing to boast about the 19-year-olds after Boston used a lineup of mostly regulars to win the preseason finale for both teams 1-0 in overtime at TD Garden (see instant replay).
“They look good. I mean to see young guys do plays like they do, it’s pretty impressive,” Giroux said. “TK’s speed backs off a lot of D because he’s pretty fast and he’s shifty. And Provy, he’s a really smart defenseman. He holds the pucks and he does plays out there and you’ve got to shake your head because it’s pretty impressive.”
The Flyers can keep both players in the NHL or they have to be returned to their major junior teams because of their age. The Flyers also have to make some moves to be compliant under the NHL salary cap before the start of the season. The opening night roster has to be set by 5 p.m. Tuesday.
Konecny skated for the second straight game on left wing on a line with Sean Couturier at center and Jakub Voracek at right wing. Konecny, who also received some time on the power play, finished with three shots on net and the line finished with 10 shots. It hasn’t taken long to find chemistry on that line.
“Yeah, it’s always fun playing with those two guys,” Konecny said. “They gave me a lot of good opportunities and they see the ice really well. It just kind of creates offense when you get out there. I just try to simplify and keep pucks low in the offensive zone and get them the puck. And then just go to the net and look for rebounds and go to the tough areas.”
Konecny led the Flyers with six points and tied for the team lead with three goals in the preseason. But he wasn’t celebrating a roster spot yet.
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“Yeah, I don’t know, I don’t talk to the staff that much in the office. But I feel I played well and I gave it my best effort. So that’s all that I can ask for,” he said.
Provorov logged 21:37 of ice time, mostly with veteran Mark Streit at even strength. Provorov also played on the power play. He landed three shots on net and three hits. He was strong moving the puck and using his body. And he didn’t hang his head after his lone gaffe, a giveaway right in front of the Flyers net late in the third period. Goaltender Steven Mason saved Provorov with the save of the game.
Provorov had two assists and was plus-2 in six preseason games.
“I thought I’ve been playing well,” Provorov said. “For me, the most important thing I just try to show up and work hard every day. And I thought I did that and I thought I played well.”
Heading into the game coach Dave Hakstol said he wanted to see how the teenagers would fare against a mostly varsity lineup from the Bruins. What he got to see was how they did in a physical defensive struggle that was about as close to regular-season game intensity as you can get in the preseason.
And both players met the coach’s expectations.
“I thought they adjusted again,” Hakstol said. “I thought the first period was again just a step above in terms of level and play and I thought both guys adjusted as we went through the second and third period and had pretty good nights.”