Philadelphia Flyers center Mike Vecchione and defenseman Samuel Morin will play their first NHL games. Vecchione, signed to a one-year contract by the Flyers on Friday, is a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award as college hockey's best player. He had 63 points (29 goals, 34 assists) in 38 games for Union College this season. "I just will look to stay focused and not let the bigger stage get the best of me," Vecchione said. "I just want to go out there and have some fun. I've been playing hockey my whole life, so I just have some system adjustments to make and play my game." Vecchione expects about 30 family members to be on hand at Prudential Center. Morin, the Flyers' first-round pick (No. 11) in the 2013 NHL Draft, had 15 points (three goals, 12 assists) in his second season with Lehigh Valley of the American Hockey League. "My family is planning to be here; they are driving from Quebec City," Morin said. "It's about a 10-hour drive. I'm not nervous. It's hockey and I'm really excited. I worked really hard for this." Morin will be paired with Shayne Gostisbehere to begin the game. "That pair that makes sense; a puck-mover and a good, two-way defender," coach Dave Hakstol said. "I would expect [Morin] to see some penalty-kill time, just like his role has been in Lehigh Valley." The Flyers were eliminated from Stanley Cup Playoff contention when they lost 4-3 at the New York Rangers on Sunday. Goalie Steve Mason will start. He is 0-9-0 with a 3.93 goals-against average and .852 save percentage in 11 games against the New Jersey Devils.
