Flyers’ Christian Dvorak Excels in Montreal Return Amid Changes

Christian Dvorak made a notable return to Montreal on March 5, 2024, as the Philadelphia Flyers faced off against the Canadiens at the Bell Centre. With fellow forward Tyson Foerster sidelined due to injury, Dvorak’s presence has become increasingly vital for the Flyers, who are seeking to regain momentum after a challenging weekend.

Dvorak, who previously spent four seasons with the Canadiens, has transitioned smoothly into his role with the Flyers after signing a one-year contract worth $5.4 million. The 29-year-old center, known for his two-way play, has found early success on a line with Trevor Zegras. Coach Rick Tocchet praised Dvorak’s adaptability and leadership, noting his significant contributions to the Flyers’ current penalty kill, which leads the league with a remarkable 90.5 percent success rate.

“Dvorak decided to come here because he saw an opportunity,” Tocchet said following the morning skate. “He’s played well for us this year. He’s a smart guy, he’s good defensively, but he’s also a jack of all trades.”

As Foerster is expected to miss several games, Tocchet has shifted Dvorak into the middle of the power-play unit, which has improved to 20th in the NHL with an 18.9 percent scoring rate. “He’s really jelled with certain guys,” Tocchet added. “He’s helped out Zegras and has taken a leadership role here, especially with younger players.”

Dvorak expressed his excitement about returning to Montreal, where he enjoyed significant success. “It’s a lot of fun,” he remarked. “You know, four years here, had a great time. It’s a great place to play, a great city. Competing against friends will be enjoyable.”

The Flyers are determined to bounce back after disappointing losses to Toronto and Calgary over the weekend, where they failed to secure any points. “It wasn’t the weekend we wanted,” Dvorak stated. “We just have to bounce back and be a hungry team. We need to play simple and win our battles.”

Tocchet is exploring new line combinations to compensate for Foerster’s absence. He emphasized that Foerster, a key player on the penalty kill, has a great shot and brings valuable skills to the team. Prior to the game, he indicated a strong inclination to keep Dvorak and Zegras paired together, with Owen Tippett likely filling the third spot on that unit.

Reflecting on the recent games, Tocchet described the outcomes as leaving a “sour taste” in their mouths. Toronto, entering the game winless on the road, managed to secure a convincing 5-2 victory over the Flyers, while Calgary, coming off a rough start this season, edged the Flyers 2-1. “These last two games left kind of a sour taste,” Tocchet acknowledged. “That’s going to happen during the year. You always want the team to respond.”

The coaching staff has emphasized the importance of getting players closer to the net in order to create more scoring opportunities. Tocchet pointed out the need for players to make better decisions on the ice. “If you don’t get inside, it’s an easy night for the other team,” he said. “You have to make teams make decisions. If you’re playing outside, it’s a pretty easy way of defending.”

As the Flyers prepare for their match against the Canadiens, the focus remains on revitalizing the team’s performance. Dvorak’s leadership and adaptability could prove crucial in navigating the challenges ahead and solidifying the Flyers’ position as a competitive force in the NHL.