Philadelphia Flyers teammates may be sharing scoring magic - in addition to equipment.
Philadelphia Flyers teammates may be sharing scoring magic - in addition to equipment.
Since January 8, the flaming redhead Owen Tippett has six goals in his last six games and two multi-point games. Not only posting impressive numbers but did so without his own stick in his hands.
The Philadelphia Flyers have performed well above expectations from the start of the season and continue to do so. Owen Tippett has kicked himself into overdrive since Christmas break, after a lacklustre first half.
In his first season as a Flyer, Tippett provided 27 goals, 22 assists and 49 points in 77 games. This season, he is 20 points shy of tying his previous career high with 18 goals and 29 points through 45 games. After the holidays, he took his game to another level, showcasing the Tippett everyone saw flashes of last year.
Before his game progressed in the new calendar year, fans and even media noticed Tippett was struggling to hit the net despite his high volume of shot attempts and scoring chances. He ranks among the league lead in shot volume percentage this season, second to only David Pastrnak.
Tortorella told Flyers NHL writer Bill Metzler that although he wants Tippett to clean some things up defensively, he doesn't want to coach him in that affecting the offensive part of his game. Tortorella believes in the process and wants to see his younger players thrive.
"If Tipp hits the net, he probably has 7 or 8 more goals. John Tortorella told the media post-game on Friday. "He misses the net so many damn times."
John Tortorella also noticed a dip in his point production with such a high volume of shots per game. Tippett noticed he needed a change as well. He altered his stick while using Travis Konecny's since Jan. 8.
"Like I said the other night, if he hits the net more, he'd probably have 5 or 6 more goals right now." Tortorella addressed the media after a 4-2 win over St. Louis on Monday. "He's one of those athletes that develops on his own. He has a chance to be a really good player."
While using Konecny's Warrior twig with a modified blade, Tippett has six goals in his last six games dating back to last Monday against the Pittsburgh Penguins. In that time, he has had some highlight reel goals, one that will be in the conversation for goal of the year.
Regardless of his hot streak and what stick he has in his hands, Tippett says he plans on returning to his previous sticks. During the morning skate on Friday, he was, in fact, using his regular PHA LX Warrior stick. Although, the boys in the locker room think differently.
"Tipp said he's going to go back to his old sticks." Cam Atkinson told the media after Thursday's 4-1 win over Dallas. "We're not going to let him."
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