The Philadelphia Flyers generally don't count on left wing Chris VandeVelde for much offense, but he's got a point in three straight games, tying his NHL best, and also has scored a goal in back-to-back games. VandeVelde had a goal and an assist in a 5-3 win against the Calgary Flames on Sunday; it was his first multipoint game of the season. "Just playing hard, playing the same way," VandeVelde said. "Last couple games here I got put with [center Brayden Schenn]. Brings a little more offense. Definitely showed last game. I just think it's hard work paying off." He's doing it with two black eyes and some swelling in his face after he was hit into the boards in the first period of a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Nov. 19. VandeVelde sat out the remainder of that game but was back in the lineup for the next game three days later. "Really couldn't see there in my right eye for a while," VandeVelde said. "Other than that it felt fine. It hurt for a couple days but that's to be expected. Some stitches and some swelling. They thought it [orbital bone] was broken, so just very fortunate it wasn't worse." Coach Dave Hakstol has relied on VandeVelde mostly in defensive roles but had hoped to see more offensive contributions from him. "I think his mindset going in [to the season] was to improve and expect a little bit more from himself offensively than what he was able to produce last year," Hakstol said. "The type of goals he's scoring, like [against Calgary], going to the net front, going to the top of the blue paint, which he's always done, but he's finishing on a few more of those. It's been important for our team and something we need to continue." Goalie Steve Mason is expected to start after rookie Anthony Stolarz made his NHL debut in the win against Calgary.
