With Sean Couturier out, Nick Cousins gets longer look
WASHINGTON — In his third full pro season, Nick Cousins has spent most of his season in the American Hockey League trying to grow his game.
Typically a pest on the ice, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms are trying to turn Cousins into a center that can shut down opposing top lines.
Perhaps that was part of the reason the Flyers recalled him when Sean Couturier went down with what is believed to be a high-ankle sprain. Cousins has played the last two games with the Flyers in Couturier’s spot, alongside Brayden Schenn and Sam Gagner, and done well.
“I’m not trying to get ahead of myself here,” said Cousins, the Flyers’ third-round pick in 2011. “I’m just trying to show the coaching staff what I can do and when they have me on the ice to trust me. That’s what I’m trying to do these first two games. I feel good out there and if I’m playing with a little bit of confidence that’s when I’m at my best. It’s only two games, but I’m just trying to get my feet wet here and play the best I can to help guys out.”
He helped Sunday by getting his first NHL point. He assisted on Michael Del Zotto’s first-period goal in the Flyers’ 3-2 loss against the Washington Capitals.
“It’s nice to sort of get the monkey off the back, right? It’s been (17) games now,” said Cousins, who was recalled for four games earlier this season. “I feel better every shift I’m out there and every game. I’m just taking it day-by-day while I'm here and trying to make plays, create a little bit of offense and give the guys a little bit of energy.”
In that regard he brings something to the table that Couturier doesn’t, although he certainly doesn’t play the kind of shutdown defense Couturier can and hasn’t shown the offensive prowess at this level either. In the AHL, he’s been a point-per-game player.
“He’s played simple, doesn’t try to do too much,” veteran Wayne Simmonds said. “He’s taking what they’re giving him. You can tell he’s a good little player and he plays on that edge. I think that’s when he’s at his best when he plays with that attitude that he has and I think you’re seeing it the last couple games. Obviously he’s an All-Star in the AHL and he does a lot of good things. He’s doing well for us.”
So far, Cousins has been effective and although it appears as though this may be a month-long audition, he’s not looking at it as such.
“I’ve just got to be patient down there and when the chance comes, it will come,” he said. “I’ve got a chance now and I’m just trying to take advantage of it.”
So far, so good. It looks like he’ll remain in the same second-line center role Tuesday when the Flyers return to action to face the Anaheim Ducks.
“Both games he quietly goes out and does a lot of little things well, plays a good two-way game,” coach Dave Hakstol said. “In the last two nights he’s created some opportunities and had some opportunities, so I think he’s been on the positive side of contribution.”
In his first two games of his recent call-up Cousins has shown why he’s typically called “gritty” and “feisty.” The last game even came with a point.
“That’s what he does. That’s his role,” said Shayne Gostisbehere, who spent time with Cousins and the Phantoms. “He gets under guys’ skin. He gets in there, goes to the dirty areas, places where guys don’t want to go and that’s what makes him such a good player and gotten him to this level. He can also make some great plays offensively and it showed.”
Vigneault still steamed
New York Rangers coach Alain Vigneault still can’t get over the fact that Simmonds was allowed to play Sunday. He was kicked out of Saturday’s game against the Rangers for decking Ryan McDonagh after he took a cross-check to the side of the head.
It was announced Monday that McDonagh suffered a concussion, which made Vigneault even angrier.
“What I didn’t expect was the reaction from the league,” Vigneault told the New York Daily News. “An All-Star player gets sucker-punched, goes down – I wonder if that’s (Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney) Crosby what happens, or what the consequence is?”
The Flyers are left wondering what the response from the league would have been if Simmonds had been hurt from the cross-check. McDonagh was only assessed a minor on the play.
Loose Pucks
The Flyers were given a total off-day Monday after back-to-back games. They won’t have more than one day between games until next week. … With what Hakstol called “inconsistencies” in his game, defenseman Radko Gudas is a candidate to be a healthy scratch Tuesday. … Expect goalie Steve Mason to make his fifth straight start for the third time this season.
Dave Isaac; (856) 486-2479;disaac@gannettnj.com.
Up next: vs. Ducks
When: 7 p.m., Tuesday
TV/Radio: CSN/97.5 FM