Don't look now, but your Philadelphia Flyers are certifiably hot!
After totally burning down the franchise and starting over (hint, hint Big Red and Banner, you might want to check in with the Flyers for a blue print in reinventing a franchise), the Flyers are off to a 6-1 start and are currently in first place in the Atlantic Division.
The difference between this team and last year's squad is night and day. Just about everyone of the moves Paul Holmgren made since last Spring appears to have worked. However, the two biggest differences are the emergence of a legit #1 goalie in Martin Biron and the development of Centers Jeff Carter and Mike Richards in their third seasons as dependable point producers. The continued production of Richards and Carter, along with the expected scoring of the top line centered by Danny Briere, will be absolutely necessary if this team is actually contend for the Cup this Spring.
Other youngsters such as Braydon Cobourn, Randy Jones, Joffrey Lupul and RJ Umberger are lending a helping hand as well. The production from the youth on this team is probably the most satisfying thing. Plus, two of our better younger players, Scottie Upshall and Steve Downie, have yet to set foot on the ice. I really can't wait to see this team at full strength.
All this being said, it is natural to wonder if this successful start is a mirage or a sign of things to come. Well, I think we might get our answer pretty quickly as the Orange & Black are about to embark on an 8 game road trip which concludes with trips to the Rangers, Pens, and Devils.
If the Fly Guys come back from the road with a 5-3 record, then I think there might be just a few more phans on the bandwagon.
I, for one, am just happy to see hockey back in Philadelphia. Something tells me you will be also after a couple more weeks of brutal Eagles' football and once catching a glimpse of the sure to be horrid Sixers.
5 comments:
The goaltending is the #1 difference so far. The Flyers have been outshot in games but have still come away with easy victories. Last year they would find themselves in early holes so many times as a result of soft goals scored by the opponent.
Don't know if Biron would call them "easy" victories!
You're right George, that's definitely the difference. I think one test they'll have to face this year is whether the young guys will be able to produce over the entire season.
If so, the other Atlantic teams are in trouble.
Get the life jackets on and launch the rescue boats.
What the *&%$ . . . are you like SI. As soon as you mention that this team looks good they lose two in a row - and look bad doing it. Retract the post immediatly so they can salvage the rest of the 8 game road trip.
The parties over sports fans. (extra credit if you can name the movie the phrase "sports fans" comes from).
No way this team can go from dreadful to dominant in 1 season. They're a .500 club and thats a heck of an accomplishment in 1 year. Now if i can only figure out how to watch more than 30 seconds of a hockey game, i'd be in good shape.
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