Flyers Make Big Lineup Change Ahead of Game 4

James Guillory-Imagn ImagesJames Guillory-Imagn Images

The Philadelphia Flyers shook things up for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Carolina Hurricanes.

Forward Matvei Michkov and defenseman Emil Andrae have come out of the lineup. Center Jett Luchanko and defenseman Oliver Bonk draw into the lineup in their place, each making their playoff debuts. For Bonk, it is just his 2nd NHL game. It is Luchanko’s 9th in the NHL, and 5th this season.

Luchanko is playing on the third line with Carl Grundstrom and Denver Barkey, initially lining up on the right wing. Bonk is playing on the third pair on the right of Nick Seeler.

The Flyers are trailing 3-0 in the series to the Hurricanes, and needed a spark to try and keep their playoff hopes alive.

Michkov has just one point this postseason, an assist in Game 6 against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Andrae also has just a single point, an assist on the Trevor Zegras goal in Game 3 against the Hurricanes.

There was no indication of the change prior to the game. Michkov was not on the ice at all for warmups. Andrae was on the ice, but did not take part in line rushes.

Adding Luchanko adds some much-needed speed to the Flyers’ lineup, especially with still out.