Question Time: Streets of Philadelphia
Mike's question this week focuses on our friends in the city of brotherly love, as it was asked "The Flyers glory days seem to be long gone. What can they do to be a serious cup threat again?" Well the answer to this one will be require some serious thought- right let's go to work!
The Philadelphia Flyers are a team with a famous history with the 'Broad Street Bullies' team including Bobby Clarke, Dave Schultz, Joe Kelly and Bernie Parent which brought them back to back Stanley Cups in 1975 & 1976, to the Eric Lindros years from 92 to 98 where he continually led the league in scoring. Their last cup final appearence came back in 2010 where they were narrowly beaten in six games by the Chicago Blackhawks.
But last season was one to forget for the men in orange as they finished fourth in the Atlantic Division and 10 in the Eastern Conference, missing the playoffs for only the ninth time in their history! Also things werent helped by the poor net minding of Ilya Bryzgalov- whose nine year contract was bought out after the season end! So what can they do to afford another repeat?
1. Work on Defence: Last season scoring goals wasnt a problem for the Flyers as they had 133 goals which was more than the higher finishing Boston Bruins and New York Rangers. But their defense conceeded a massive 148 goals and it was this factor that saw the playoffs slip away from the them. Missing out on Ryan Suter in last season robbed the team of a key defensive figure and right now this is badly needed and with veteran Chris Pronger out injured- the team will struggle.
2. Inspiration Figure Needed: The Flyers offense is one that is impressive, but what it lacks is a figure who inspire confidence. Claude Giroux was appointed the franchise's 19th Captain in January this year and you wouldn't that he is one for the future, but with him currently out with an injure suffered while golfing, the team needs a figure to lead them. In the off season Philly has signed veteran Vincent Lecavalier from Tampa Bay which will help them points wise- but is this man really the to guide them forward?
3. Resolve Goalie Situation: The failure of Brzygalov last season has left some gaping holes in net this season, Ray Emery has recently signed from Chicago and looks set to be starting goalie with Steve Mason providing back up. Though I know 'Razor Ray' is a talent goalie with many years behind him, you cant help but think this isnt a great long term solution and it might have been better to develop Brzygalov more to help him fulfil the great potential he showed at Phoenix! Better yet, read my list of UFA goalies available guys, thats should point you in the right direction!
I would love to see the Flyers return to glory one day as they are one of the NHL's fine franchises and it is never fun to see a team with that much history languishing near the bottom- have a good season boys.... if you can!
The Philadelphia Flyers are a team with a famous history with the 'Broad Street Bullies' team including Bobby Clarke, Dave Schultz, Joe Kelly and Bernie Parent which brought them back to back Stanley Cups in 1975 & 1976, to the Eric Lindros years from 92 to 98 where he continually led the league in scoring. Their last cup final appearence came back in 2010 where they were narrowly beaten in six games by the Chicago Blackhawks.
But last season was one to forget for the men in orange as they finished fourth in the Atlantic Division and 10 in the Eastern Conference, missing the playoffs for only the ninth time in their history! Also things werent helped by the poor net minding of Ilya Bryzgalov- whose nine year contract was bought out after the season end! So what can they do to afford another repeat?
1. Work on Defence: Last season scoring goals wasnt a problem for the Flyers as they had 133 goals which was more than the higher finishing Boston Bruins and New York Rangers. But their defense conceeded a massive 148 goals and it was this factor that saw the playoffs slip away from the them. Missing out on Ryan Suter in last season robbed the team of a key defensive figure and right now this is badly needed and with veteran Chris Pronger out injured- the team will struggle.
2. Inspiration Figure Needed: The Flyers offense is one that is impressive, but what it lacks is a figure who inspire confidence. Claude Giroux was appointed the franchise's 19th Captain in January this year and you wouldn't that he is one for the future, but with him currently out with an injure suffered while golfing, the team needs a figure to lead them. In the off season Philly has signed veteran Vincent Lecavalier from Tampa Bay which will help them points wise- but is this man really the to guide them forward?
3. Resolve Goalie Situation: The failure of Brzygalov last season has left some gaping holes in net this season, Ray Emery has recently signed from Chicago and looks set to be starting goalie with Steve Mason providing back up. Though I know 'Razor Ray' is a talent goalie with many years behind him, you cant help but think this isnt a great long term solution and it might have been better to develop Brzygalov more to help him fulfil the great potential he showed at Phoenix! Better yet, read my list of UFA goalies available guys, thats should point you in the right direction!
I would love to see the Flyers return to glory one day as they are one of the NHL's fine franchises and it is never fun to see a team with that much history languishing near the bottom- have a good season boys.... if you can!
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