doom88 Posted December 13, 2011 Share Posted December 13, 2011 Rookie center Sean Couturier will replace Claude Giroux on the Flyers' top line Tuesday in Washington. Giroux, the league's leading scorer, continues to make progress from his head injury, but will not make the trip, GM Paul Holmgren said. The center was injured when teammate Wayne Simmonds inadvertently kneed him in the back of the head on Saturday against Tampa Bay. Giroux was scheduled to visit a doctor on Monday morning, but the Flyers did not release the results of any testing. Holmgren said Giroux would also see a doctor on Tuesday. Couturier, who usually centers the fourth line, played most of the third period Saturday between Jaromir Jagr and Scott Hartnell. He will center that line Tuesday. Giroux is also expected to miss Thursday's game in Montreal. * * * Follow Sam Carchidi on Twitter @BroadStBull.***http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/inqflyersreport/Couturier-replaces-Giroux-on-Flyers-top-line.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hf101 Posted December 13, 2011 Share Posted December 13, 2011 I think it is good for Courturier gets the chance to play on the top line. He deserves the chance.But I guess this means that Shelley plays tomorrow since no Phantom was called up. And that either Talbot or Read will have to center his line. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OzFlyer Posted December 13, 2011 Share Posted December 13, 2011 GO COOTS!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dynamo 47 Posted December 13, 2011 Share Posted December 13, 2011 While it sucks for Giroux, it is an opportunity to see how Couts plays with some scoring wingers. It is an adjustment for all as Giroux and Cout's styles are totally different. I would have rather seen Briere move up as he more like Giroux and see Couts center wingers who are more grinders and good along the wall. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flyercanuck Posted December 13, 2011 Share Posted December 13, 2011 Couturier had several chances in the Tampa game but just couldn't bury them. Other than the finish he seemed to fit right in. And the goals will come for him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brelic Posted December 13, 2011 Share Posted December 13, 2011 Man, how freakin' AWESOME must it be for Couturier! Imagine yourself as an 18 year old kid playing with a 2-time Cup champion and guaranteed hall of famer. That's usually the stuff you dream about as a kid and what gives you the drive to play hockey in the first place.Couturier seems pretty level headed, and I'm sure he won't show any emotion, but inside, he must be smiling from ear to ear. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phlfly Posted December 13, 2011 Share Posted December 13, 2011 He is a big suprise for everyone that at his 18/19 year old. He did amazing job so far with some mistakes but Flyers has a good future with guys like Giroux, Couturier, Shenn and more important they didn't miss a playoff during that time, so all trades were ok or above ok. Because some teams did miss 2-3 years of playoff hockey while their youth get ready, but may be will never ready it's a gamble. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
s3x Posted December 13, 2011 Share Posted December 13, 2011 This is a dream scenario for Couturier and he will not disappoint. He acquitted himself rather well in the Tampa game, and I imagine it will only continue. All the hard work of playing on a 4th line is going to pay off for him on a top line with Jagr and Hartnell. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Howie58 Posted December 13, 2011 Share Posted December 13, 2011 Agreed with all; this is a good move. I think he will step it up. Peace,Howie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phlyer1 Posted December 13, 2011 Share Posted December 13, 2011 Howie: An early Christmas present I'm hoping. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Podein25 Posted December 13, 2011 Share Posted December 13, 2011 Cooter will make the most of his chance, I'm sure.But if it's not working for some reason, I wouldn't mind if Lavvy put Read up there for a bit. He can play center (is a "natural" center) and is closer to being "like Giroux" than anyone else in terms of speed, play making and is RH.It would be a good fit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flyercanuck Posted December 13, 2011 Share Posted December 13, 2011 I agree Pods, but it's not like Couturier is going to have any problem keeping up to Jagr or Hartnell. And the guy makes some nice passes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJgoal Posted December 13, 2011 Share Posted December 13, 2011 While I hate to see Giroux hurt, how nice is it to be "arguing" whether Read or Couturier is the better fit on the top line on the merits of the two players, not based on their failings? I think either would be fine up on the top line.I'm also fine with keeping Briere where he is. In a situation like this, I'd rather juggle the first and 3rd or 4th line, than the first and 2nd, if you can get away with it talent wise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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