In the yearly Rookie Series weekend against the New York Rangers, that falls between rookie training camp and full squad camp. The Philadelphia Flyers played their first game on Friday night, in which the Flyers’ young guns struggled late against New York’s own, falling 4-2 despite a solid first two periods.
Even in defeat, a few significant players stood out during the contest. Charlie O’Connor of PHLY Flyers, among others believe that Tyson Foerster, who has experience playing at the NHL level, can make a huge impression this coming season. But another individual stood out and generated discussion on social media.
Matt Brown, a forward, who went undrafted has been invited to camp, now he is making a case to earn an entry-level contract. Brown, a 24-year-old Boston University graduate, recently completed his senior year. He was a Second Team All-American, a New England All-Star, and a member of the Hockey East First Team All-Star team just this past season. He achieved several career highs, including playing in 39 games, scoring 16 goals, providing 31 assists, and accruing 47 points— adding 11 multiple games as well.
Jamey Baskow of FlyersNittyGritty pointed out how wise the Flyers brass was this off-season. GM Danny Briere had two options, resign former first-round pick Jay O’Brien or let him walk. Danny Briere took the latter, enabling him to bring in the New Jersey native on a PTO.
Matt Brown demonstrated in the Flyers’ first rookie contest why he belonged. Making a good first impression in the games opening 20 minutes. The new burnt orange and black won an offensive zone faceoff in the closing minute of the opening frame, a quick shot sent the puck into the corner, where Brown picked it up and battled his way through the Rangers’ defenders to find Bobby Brink. Matt Brown then snuck into the slot leaving him wide open in front, well Brink set up Denver Barkey for a tip shot leading to a rebound for Brown.
With a quick play to escape a hit and set up Elliot Desnoyers for a scoring opportunity, Brown displayed his hockey IQ. He swiftly avoided a check, which allowed him to draw the Rangers’ defender in and create space to send the puck to Desnoyers. This play along with many others earned Matt Brown first line minutes along side Tyson Foerster, and Elliot Desnoyers. A line in which fans should expect to see on Saturday night for game two against the New York Rangers.
Matt Brown has made a lot of noise in a short amount of time, it will be interesting to see if he can continue to turn heads and earn himself an entry-level contract with the Flyers.
By: Dylan Robillard (@DylanRobillard_)
Photo Credit: Kyle Prudhomme/BU Athletics
brotherlypuck.com 