The Philadelphia Flyers have made a notable shift in their defensive lineup, pairing Jamie Drysdale with Emil Andrae ahead of their upcoming game against the New Jersey Devils. This new combination has drawn attention due to both players’ offensive capabilities, which contrasts with traditional defensive pairings that typically feature one offensive and one defensive-minded player.
During Thursday night’s game against St. Louis, Flyers coach Rick Tocchet replaced Nick Seeler with Andrae on the second defensive unit. After Friday’s practice, Tocchet confirmed that the Drysdale-Andrae pairing would continue for at least the home game on March 16, 2024.
Both Drysdale and Andrae are recognized for their skating skills and offensive instincts, allowing them to initiate plays from the defensive zone. However, their smaller stature compared to other defensemen raises concerns about their effectiveness against physically imposing teams. Tocchet referenced former player Quinn Hughes, who, despite not being the largest defenseman, excelled due to his intelligence and agility. “If they’re going against bigger guys, cycling in corners might be a little difficult, but I think with your brain and your quickness, you can work around that,” Tocchet stated.
Andrae expressed enthusiasm for the new partnership, highlighting their shared skill sets. “We’re both searching for plays out there, and when we play like that, it’s a lot of fun,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of balancing offensive creativity with defensive responsibilities.
Drysdale, who has emerged as a significant offensive contributor and has been instrumental in running the power play, noted the versatility of the Flyers’ defense. “We’ve got a little bit of everything. I’ve played with everybody at some point, so it’s a smooth transition,” he said, acknowledging Andrae’s ability to hold onto the puck and create opportunities.
As the Flyers approach game number 20 this season, they are poised to face a challenging stretch of four away games in six nights, which will include matchups against Tampa Bay and Florida, as well as two critical division games against the New York Islanders and the Devils. This period could serve as a critical evaluation of the team’s performance and resilience.
Drysdale commented on the significance of handling these demanding stretches. “It’s the teams that manage these back-to-backs that usually find themselves in a better spot,” he noted. Teammate Cam York echoed this sentiment, stating, “A few guys are banged up, but every team is banged up. We’ll be ready to go when the challenge presents itself.”
Tocchet acknowledged the difficulty of back-to-back games, noting that the Flyers have struggled historically, with a record of 1-12-2 in the second game of back-to-backs since the start of the 2024-25 season. “It’s the mental toughness that needs to be developed,” he explained. Players must be prepared to deliver their best, even when fatigue sets in.
Currently, the Flyers’ home record stands at 7-3-2, while their performance on the road is less impressive at 3-3-2. Tocchet emphasized the importance of maintaining good puck management and defensive positioning, especially during a demanding schedule. “If you’re in your end all night, you’re going to be tired,” he warned, stressing the need for players to build mental toughness.
As the Flyers navigate this pivotal phase in their season, the new Drysdale-Andrae pairing will be instrumental in determining how effectively they can compete against their upcoming opponents.
