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NHL Daily: Flyers ‘Tip’ in Right Direction; Habs’ Slafkovsky a Work in Progress

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Owen Tippett (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Owen Tippett has thrived in his first full season with the Flyers since the Claude Giroux trade. Photo: AP.

The Philadelphia Flyers’ young players are playing loose, playing with confidence. They are also embracing the opportunity as they try to establish themselves as quality NHL players.

Right winger Owen Tippett is among the those who fits that description.

Acquired last March in the deal that sent Claude Giroux to Florida, Tippett has 13 goals in 37 games. The power forward is playing with an edge, and looks like a key part of the Flyers’ future.

While Tippett, 23, has made an impact, the Canadiens are being patient with a promising winger of their own, 18-year-old Juraj Slafkovsky, who was drafted No. 1 overall last July.

Montreal fans have been disappointed with Slafkovsky’s production in his rookie season: four goals and 10 points in 37 games. But Vinny Lecavalier, a former Flyer who is now a special advisor on Montreal’s hockey operations staff, is pleased with with the slow but steady progress the 6-foot-3, 238-pound winger has made.

“It takes a while to build confidence,” Lecavalier said on a Montreal radio station. “I like what he’s brought in the last 10 games. He has good intensity, he’s driving the net, and he’s using his size.”

Lecavalier, now 42, noted that he also started slowly in his rookie year with Tampa Bay (13 goals, 28 points). He finished with 421 career goals.

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Around the NHL and National Hockey Now

Philly Hockey Now: Power forward Owen Tippett has exceeded expectations for the Flyers. Philadelphia Flyers.

Philly Hockey Now: Can the Flyers, winners of six of their last seven games, become a playoff contender this season? Watch or listen to our podcast for the answer. Philadelphia Flyers.

Philly Hockey Now: Saying they were distracting, John Tortorella took away iPads from the Flyers’ bench. Good parenting, Coach. Philadelphia Flyers.

Montreal Hockey Now: Canadiens executive Vinny Lecavalier talked about Juraj Slafkovsky’s (slow) development. Spoiler alert: He wasn’t alarmed. Montreal Canadiens.

Montreal Hockey Now: The Canadiens and P.K. Subban had a messy divorce, but time heals all wounds. Subban was honored by the Habs on Thursday. Montreal Canadiens.

Washington Hockey Now: The Capitals could make some lineup changes in their rematch Saturday night with the visiting Flyers. Washington Capitals.

Seattle Kraken: The blistering Seattle Kraken, coached by Dave Hakstol, handed Boston its first regulation home loss of the season, 3-0, as they won their seventh straight. Boston had been 19-0-3 at home. Seattle Kraken.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The Penguins’ already-thin blue line may get even thinner. Pittsburgh Penguins.

Colorado Hockey Now: How bad are things for the defending Stanley Cup champs? Well, they dropped a 3-2 decision Thursday to the NHL’s worst team, Chicago. That’s seven losses in the last eight games for the Avs. Colorado Avalanche.

San Jose Hockey Now: Can the struggling Sharks learn from the L.A. Kings’ rebuild? San Jose Sharks.

Vegas Hockey Now: After playing in just 37 games last year because of a back injury, Mark Stone is better than ever with the Knights. Vegas Golden Knights.

Detroit Hockey Now: Detroit defeated Toronto in regulation for the first time since 2017, 4-1, as Ville Husso made 32 saves. Toronto was without the injured Auston Matthews for the second straight game. Check out how Bob Duff got one-time Flyer great Reggie Leach into his story. Bravo, Bob. Detroit Red Wings.

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