PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — It’s risky business when a head coach in any professional sport makes public comments that could be interpreted as calling out the team or certain players. While Flyers bench boss Alain Vigneault didn’t say anything demeaning or embarrassing about anyone, in particular, he didn’t mince words Tuesday when discussing what some of his top veterans needed to do in Game 5 against the Islanders later that night.
“It’s their turn to put the big boy pants on.”
Hours before Tuesday's #Flyers win over the #Islanders, Head Coach Alain Vigneault said some top players needed to "put the big boy pants on."Claude Giroux and JVR certainly did. pic.twitter.com/tk1mMP6AHI
— Dave Uram (@MrUram)
September 2, 2020 Vigneault was referring to captain Claude Giroux’s and James van Riemsdyk’s contributions in the magical 2010 run that took the Flyers to the Stanley Cup Final. Fittingly, Giroux and van Riemsdyk scored their first goals of this postseason in their 4-3 overtime victory, keeping their season alive, and forcing Game 6 Thursday night.
And it didn’t appear the organization was shying away from the "big-boy pants" theme, either.
A pair of big pants. ----#AnytimeAnywhere | #NYIvsPHI pic.twitter.com/Msi2WvvOP7
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers)
September 2, 2020 Not only did Giroux and van Riemsdyk step up, but so did defenseman Matt Niskanen, with his first goal of the playoffs (following Game 4 — which his was a minus-2), and Scott Laughton, who tallied the overtime winner past Semyon Valarmov with redirection of Ivan Provorov’s shot from the point with 7 minutes 40 seconds left in OT.
“I was pretty fired up,” Laughton said. “I think probably one of the bigger goals in my career.”
Vigneault was asked postgame about Giroux, van Riemsdyk and two assists from Travis Konecny
“I think I used the term ‘they need to wear their big boy pants,’ and without a doubt, they came to play, and our whole group came to play tonight,” he said.
Tuesday night was the first time Giroux scored in his last 15 postseason games, and he only has two in his last 27.
Did he know Vigneault told the media it was time for him to wear those “big boy pants”?
“Don’t take it personally, but I try not to read too much, especially lately. It hasn’t been very positive. But I think it’s important that we stay focused on what the job is at hand,” Giroux said.
“They’ve heard the ‘big boy pants’ (from me),” Vigneault said when asked if he’s used that phrase privately to them, as well as if he believes in the power of motivating players through the media.
“Honest to God, I’m not quite sure what they hear here through the (Toronto) bubble while we’re here in the bubble, but the ‘big boy pants’ is something that they’re aware of, and they don’t need me to motivate them.”
After the 4-3 overtime victory, Alain Vigneault was asked about the "big boy pants" comment from earlier Tuesday. #Flyers pic.twitter.com/Cs7CloqbgU
— Dave Uram (@MrUram)
September 2, 2020 “Whatever the message is from the coach, I think we answered pretty well tonight,” Giroux said.
And so did 22-year-old goalie Carter Hart, who let in two Islander goals 93 seconds apart late in the third period, allowing the game to be tied at 3. Hart responded in overtime with sensational saves — seven of his 29 on the night.
“That’s the mental strength that we all believe Carter has and his ability to focus on the next shot,” Vigneault said.
The Flyers trail the series 3-2. Exactly like Game 5, they must win Game 6 in order to keep their season going.
“Re-focus, re-energize and get ready for the next game because that’s gonna be our most important one so far.”
And wash those “big boy pants,” in time for Thursday night…unless you’re very superstitious and prefer to not mess with them after a productive victory.
Forward Kevin Hayes knows the Flyers will have to be at the top of their game.
"It’s do or die time," said Hayes. Everyone needs to bring their A-game and I think everyone knows that. I think it’s a good time to kind of find momentum and come together as a team. It’s exciting hockey right now.”
The status of Coots
Laughton’s overtime winner rewarded Vigneault for moving him to the top line after Sean Couturier wasn’t available for the third period and overtime. Couturier collided with Islanders forward Matt Barzal near the end of the second.
Sean Couturier hasn’t appeared on bench for 3rd period after this collisionpic.twitter.com/SVe5CEqoHD
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS)
September 2, 2020 Speaking of Barzal, he was accidentally hit in the face — which appeared to be in the eye area — by Giroux’s stick near the end of regulation. He left early as well.
Oskar update
Before Tuesday’s game, Vigneault was also asked about the chances Oskar Lindblom could play in Game 5.
Vigneault indicated he thinks Lindblom is still a few days away, but the head coach was very complimentary of Lindblom’s work ethic and determination as he makes his comeback from Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare bone cancer.
Lindblom has participated in the Flyers pregame warmups the past couple of games.
This is remarkable.Oskar Lindblom skates with the team ahead of tonight's game. pic.twitter.com/K4AowzdivK
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly)
August 30, 2020 Lindblom — 23 at the time — was diagnosed in December, and completed his cancer treatments over the summer.
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KYW Newsradio's Ed Benkin contributed to this report.
