Atkinson returns to Columbus: Flyers at Blue Jackets Preview

The Flyers look to get revenge against the Blue Jackets after losing 4-2 at home on Tuesday. Scott Laughton will move up to the first line in place of Morgan Frost and Martin Jones is expected to get the start

Pregame lineup changes:

• Martin Jones starts in goal
• Kevin Connauton in, Keith Yandle out
• Laughton moves up to top line with Atkinson and Farabee
• Frost centers van Riemsdyk and Konecny
• Hayes with Cates and Tippett
• Fourth line stays Lindblom-Thompson-Brown

Philadelphia put up 49 shots on Tuesday and were only able to get two by Elvis Merzlikins. It was one of more active games I’ve seen out of the Flyers all season despite losing 4-2.

Atta boy, Ronnie! pic.twitter.com/RFXbzXUxvW

— TLY (@TheLibertyYell) April 6, 2022

I’m a little disappointed the Farabee-Frost-Atkinson line has already been cut short. I know they had moments of getting hemmed in their zone, but I also saw some promising flashes as well. It wasn’t the best game out of Cam Atkinson, either.

Yeo on Cam Atkinson’s return to Columbus: “Both games that we’ve played against them, it’s been emotional. I would expect it to be even more so tonight coming back into this building. Any support we can give him and play a real good game for him would be real nice here tonight.”

— Olivia Reiner (@ReinerOlivia) April 7, 2022

None the less I’m enjoying the performances the prospects have been putting on. Owen Tippett is seemingly getting a breakaway every game, it’s got to go in eventually, right?

The powerplay lineups still throw me for a loop. I simply do not understand the thought process of prioritizing two-way forwards over the best offensive talent. It’s the 32nd (worst) powerplay in the league and they have only 12 PPGs in 2022, use your head.

Much like Tuesday, this is two bad teams going at it in a meaningless game. Hopefully Columbus doesn’t save 47 shots and we are able to get a bit more puck luck. Look for a bounce back game out of Cam Atkinson.

Mandatory Credit: Philadelphia Flyers