Eastern Conference Preview: Philadelphia Flyers
As we look ahead to the 2014-15 NHL season, we have already discussed the Pacific Division. We have since moved on to the Metropolitan Division, and have already previewed the Carolina Hurricanes, New Jersey Devils, Washington Capitals, New York Islanders and Columbus Blue Jackets.
Last year, an early season slump led to a coaching change in Philadelphia, and the Flyers rebounded to make the playoffs. What will the 2014-15 season hold?
Additions: RJ Umberger, Andrew Gordon, Blair Jones, Michael Del Zotto, Zack Stortini, Nick Schultz,
Subtractions: Scott Hartnell, Steve Downie, Bruno Gervais, Erik Gustafsson, Ben Holmstrom, Tye McGinn, Kris Newbury
Prospects To Watch: Shayne Gostisbehere, Robert Hagg, Scott Laughton
2013-14 Leaders
- Goals: Wayne Simmonds – 29
- Assists: Claude Giroux – 58
- Points: Giroux – 86
- PIM: Zac Rinaldo – 153
- Power Play Points: Giroux – 37
- Time On Ice per Game: Braydon Coburn – 22:26
- 5 on 5 iCORSI: Jakub Voracek – 278
The Flyers fired Peter Laviolette on Oct. 7, a surprisingly early move that paid off as the Flyers finished in the playoffs. Giroux had the C placed on this chest and earned a (distant) third place finish int he Hart Trophy voting for his efforts.
Special teams were a key for the Flyers last season. Their penalty kill finished at 84.8 percent, ranking seventh in the NHL. And their power play (19.7 percent) finished eighth in the league. However, the departed Hartnell and questionable Kimmo Timonen combined for 40 power play points last season. Replacing one/both of them will be a key.
One storyline to keep an eye on is the status of Timonen, who was diagnosed with blood clots in August. The Flyers desperately need cap space and active, good defensemen and the fact that Timonen was coming back for a modest $2M this season makes him potentially being a question mark a tough blow for the Flyers.
Oh, and the gave Steve Mason a three-year, $12.3M deal to be their starting goaltender.
Prediction: 90 points
If Mason plays like he did last year, he’ll earn his new contract. If Giroux continues to play at an MVP level, the Flyers will score goals. If Simmonds and Voracek continue to be really good compliments to Giroux, Philly will be alright up front. But how they navigate their cap situation and how their blue line plays in front of Mason will be their two questions all year.
Saw the rookie game tonight in London-
first of all goalie isn’t our prospect strength but that was a given. Lot’s of turn overs by our defense but it’s early. The two talented players TT and Nylander had moments of brilliance. (I think Nylander was a great pick by the leafs.)
Johns had loads of confidence but I really liked Fournier. Not sure if he’ll ever get a shot but he was by far the best defenseman on the ice–he’s an above average skater and moves the puck nicely. TVR looked average and I don’t see Svedberg ever making the NHL. Holl was steady. (Clendening didn’t dress, and wasn’t on the program list?)
Van Stralen scored both goals but Danault set him up twice with great passes. Carey showed nice hands and McNeill lots of grit and effort. Rasmussen can skate a bit but he didn’t distinguish himself at all.
The sleeper-G. Ross-he can play and he loves to agitate.
A great evening. Ran into a childhood friend, an ex-teammate-Randy Sexton who is working with the Penguins. He was the first GM of the Ottawa Senators when they started. We both left Brockville at the same time (a hundred years ago)-he went to university for hockey and I went for baseball.