10 observations on Flyers' OT win

Last week, I thought Robert Hagg was a lock to make the Flyers. Now, through no fault of his own, I think he's behind Travis Sanheim and Sam Morin. The latter had a goal and four hits Tuesday. All three rookie defensemen have had excellent training camps and deserve roster spots. But if the Flyers only take two of the three, Hagg could be the odd-man out. Then again, there are two preseason games left, so things could still change.

From here, Scott Laughton has earned a roster spot. His defense and penalty killing have been very effective, and he chipped in with a goal Tuesday. Laughton has developed good chemistry with linemate Michael Raffl. Those two figure to be on the fourth line when the season opens. Raffl gained seven pounds and added some muscle in the off-season and doesn't get pushed off the puck as easily. The other spot on the fourth line may go to Taylor Leier, Matt Read, Dale Weise, or Jori Lehtera.

The top line of center-turned-left-winger Claude Giroux, Sean Couturier, and Jake Voracek played well in their second game together. It's not a done deal, but it's looking like this is how the Flyers will start the season. In the win over the Rangers, Giroux had two assists and won six of 10 faceoffs. Couturier won nine of 12 faceoffs, and Voracek had an assist.

Travis Konecny is a much better offensive player than last year. More creative, more confident. A year ago, he was a rookie trying to earn a roster spot. The pressure has been lifted this season because he knows he's on the team, and Konecny has been buzzing around offensive zones throughout the preseason. On Tuesday, he had the game-winner and took nine shots (four on goal).

The power play, directed by new assistant coach Kris Knoblauch, needs to get in sync. Quickly. The PP is 0 for 19 in the last three games and it needs to gain some confidence that it can take into the regular season. The Flyers have two preseason games left before the games count, starting Oct. 4 in San Jose.

It's only the preseason, but the Flyers are allowing too many late goals. That, too, needs to be cleaned up before it becomes habit-forming.

Nolan Patrick hasn't been flashy, but he HAS been defensively responsible and has been more noticeable on offense each game. Patrick, who is mature beyond his years, had three shots and a plus-1 rating while winning 54 percent of his faceoffs Tuesday. There's no question he deserves a roster spot.

The more you see center Mikhail Vorobyov, the more you like the kid. He's going to help the Phantoms this season and could be recalled if the Flyers have some injuries.

It's hard to understand why Mike Vecchione hasn't been given a longer look. He has played in just two preseason games and has scored a goal. Clearly, the Flyers are on the verge of sending him to Lehigh Valley. I'm not saying he necessarily deserves a roster spot with the Flyers, but it's difficult for them to evaluate him on just two games.

Leier has been impressive in camp. It's an indication that the Flyers have much more depth this season if someone with Leier's speed and talent can't make the team. Leier is on the roster bubble, but he will probably go to the Phantoms if he clears waivers.