Matthews sets bar high for Flyers' Konecny and other rookies

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. _ After Toronto's 19-year-old rookie Auston Matthews scored four goals in his stunning debut Wednesday in Ottawa, Penguins defenseman Kris Letang put it best: "Welcome to our beer league!" he tweeted.

Like the rest of the NHL, the Flyers were obviously impressed with Matthews' eye-opening performance.

"We were actually sitting and waiting for dinner last night and following along on Twitter on the NHL app," Flyers goalie Steve Mason said after Thursday's practice, preparing for Friday's opener in Los Angeles.  "It seemed like every time somebody refreshed their app, there was another goal on the board for him. Great for him."

Matthews set the bar almost out of reach for other NHL rookies, including the Flyers' Travis Konecny and Ivan Provorov, who will play in their first NHL games Friday.

"It's a high bar," second-year coach Dave Hakstol said. "That's an impressive night by a pretty impressive young player."

"I'm definitely not going to be upset if I don't put on the performance that Matthews did," said Konecny, smiling. "I'm just going to keep things simple. I know it's a process and you learn each day."

"The main part for me is to play good defense," Provorov said. "Play solid defensively and if I can contribute offensively, that would be great, too."

Hakstol said his rookies will lean on the veterans for leadership, "but I don't think much has to be said. Obviously they're going to have some adrenaline they might have some nerves, but those things kind of settle in when the game gets going."

The Flyers went 4-2-2 in the preseason.

"We've practiced well, we've prepared well," Hakstol said. "Now we have to take that next step to the regular-season level."

In the preseason, goalie Steve Mason was dominating and outplayed Michal Neuvirth.

"I wouldn't make any assumptions there" as to whom will start Friday, Hakstol said, adding he will announce his starter on Friday morning.

"We play back-to-backs, which is pretty tough to start the season, so I would expect to see both guys. Which order it's in, we'll announce (Friday)."

Breakaways. Provorov and Konency will be on the second power-play unit, along with Mark Streit, Sean Couturier and Dale Weise....Hakstol on his second season opener: "I don't imagine it would ever get old."....City Council presented a resolution Thursday to honor the Flyers on their 50th anniversary, along with the late Ed Snider, the team's chairman. Among guests: Three of Snider's children _ Craig, Lindy and Sarena....The Flyers will have a noon pep rally Friday in Dillworth Park to kick off the 50th anniversary season. Mayor Jim Kenney and Flyers alumni members will be among the guests.