The Fan Hub

When the Philadelphia Flyers took center Sean Couturier with the eighth overall pick in the 2011 Draft, they did so largely based on his tremendous offensive production during his time in juniors, where he scored 96 points in back-to-back seasons as a 17- and 18-year old with the Drummondville Voltigeurs. And though they weren’t expecting him to tear it up in the NHL at just 19 years old (he has 10 goals and 7 assists through 40 games), what they’ve been thrilled with is his play on the defensive end, specifically on the penalty kill.

Couturier’s blend of defensive awareness, fearlessness, and offensive instincts make him an ideal penalty killer for a team that likes to capitalize on its chances when playing a man down. In fact, with his aggressive style already leading to two short-handed goals this season, it’s conjuring up memories of a recently departed Flyer who was known as one of the most dangerous short-handed threats in the league — Mike Richards.

During his four years in Philly, Richards scored more shorties (23) than any player in the NHL. “What Mike was good at was anticipating,” said head coach Peter Laviolette. “He would anticipate passes out high and get a bead on something. He would see the play before it happens. Sean thinks like that. Positionally, Sean does a good job of making sure he is on the right side of things.”

Couturier is also beginning to find his stride offensively, scoring goals in five straight games despite getting largely 3rd and 4th line minutes. He has essentially been eased into the NHL rotation very nicely by Laviolette and company, as they have given him minimal responsibilities that are primarily just playing sound defense and letting the offense come along naturally. But given his talents with the puck on his stick — which include terrific vision and a nasty wrist shot — he could very well take on a much larger role as the season progresses and be a big part of a Philadelphia playoff run.