Barkey could start at center for Flyers in Game 2 against Hurricanes
That might not be the only adjustment the Flyers make for Game 2. Owen Tippett missed Game 1 with an undisclosed injury. Though the forward is considered day to day, he was on the ice for an optional practice Sunday.
Tocchet said he didn’t any update on Tippett’s status for Game 2. His speed, strength and goal-scoring touch — he led the Flyers with 28 goals during the regular season — was missed in Game 1.
“He’s a speed demon for us,” Tocchet said. “We had a couple of breakaways, we had a couple of 2-on-1’s. If we can convert on that, you never know. ‘Tipp’ is one of those guys who can get a breakaway or can get a 2-on-1, so when he’s out of lineup it’s tough.”
Regardless of who plays and where, the Flyers understand where and how they have to be better than they were in Game 1, especially early in the game.
“To me, it was the first 15 minutes,” Tocchet said. “Just watching the video, it didn’t look like a lot of guys wanted the puck. And against Carolina, you want to want the puck, you’re going to want confrontation, you’re going to want to make that play. And those are the things that we didn’t do early on.”
Defenseman Cam York agreed that there was some hesitation in the Flyers’ game early. Now that they’ve lived through the Hurricanes’ attack, the belief is they will be better equipped to handle it.
“We got a good taste of it,” he said. “I think that first game just was good for our team to get a taste of it. And now we know what we’re up against.
“They’re on top of you and super aggressive, but if you can use the middle of the ice, you can use that against them pretty well and get a bunch of odd-man looks. We’re OK. Just got to reset, refocus and get ready for this next one.”
