Some lineup changes for tonight's Flyers game as they host Detroit.
Steve Downie is back in the lineup, while Andrej Meszaros remains out in favor of Erik Gustafsson.
“I’m looking for him to be an intense hockey player,” coach Craig Berube said of Downie when I asked him this morning about the re-entry.
“The Steve Downie that I know wins one-on-one battles in the corner, comes up with loose pucks, he’s strong on the stick – heavy stick. Things like that. That’s what we are looking for.”
As for Meszaros ...
"Mes' defensive play has fallen," Berube said. "I didn't like his game in Columbus, so I went with Gus."
Frankly, I think Luke Schenn deserves to sit but after benching him once this season already, I suspect Berube is not allowed to bench him again, especially given all the attention this season to the Schenn for James van Riemsdyk deal that have been made.
There's little question that Toronto is getting the best end of that deal these days.
Interestingly, Berube said there were "all kinds of options" available to him on lineup switches but let's be realistic here.
There are very few options at forward or defense. What he has had to do is rotate people. Hal Gill is his only other alternative right now on defense among those on the roster.
Which is why the Flyers will go into the March trade deadline seeking an impact d-man which will prove very hard to get.
Vinny Lecavalier is back on wing on Brayden Schenn's line with Wayne Simmonds while Scott Hartnell, who's left foot/ankle is not broken, goes back up top with Claude Giroux and Jakub Voracek.
Lecavalier has moved all over but is on the left side now.
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Michael Raff drops to the fourth line with Chris VandeVelde and Adam Hall.
Philadelphia Flyers Blogger • 
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