Kategoria:
NHL Blogi
Flyers: The Long Road Back to Relevance
The Philadelphia Flyers, once a staple in the NHL playoffs, are at a crossroads. After a lackluster 2022-2023 season with only 75 points, far removed from the playoff picture, the team faces a crucial year that could determine its direction for the next few seasons. There have been significant changes in the front office and on the ice, but will they be enough for the Flyers to reclaim their former glory? Let's dig in.
Recap of the 2022-2023 Season: A Year to Forget
Last season was one marked by disappointments and unfulfilled expectations. The Flyers were beset by injuries, with key players like Sean Couturier, Ryan Ellis, and Cam Atkinson missing significant time. Without these lynchpins, the team was never competitive, ending the season with 75 points and a lot of soul-searching. The disappointing campaign saw the departure of Chuck Fletcher as General Manager, ushering in Danny Briere in the role.
Offseason Overhaul: Out with the Old, In with the (Sort of) New
This summer was a busy one for Briere and his team. Kevin Hayes, James van Riemsdyk, Tony DeAngelo, and Ivan Provorov all exited, leaving big holes to fill. The Flyers' approach to these gaps was cautious, signing players like Garnet Hathaway, Marc Staal, Victor Mete, and Sean Walker. While these additions likely won't fully compensate for the lost talent, the return of Couturier and Atkinson, assuming they come back at full strength, could significantly bolster the team's offense.
Goaltending and Coaching: Familiar Faces in Unfamiliar Times
John Tortorella remains as head coach, but this will be his first full season with the Flyers under the new front office. His system often demands physical play and a commitment to defense, which could be both a benefit and a curse given the roster makeup.
In net, Carter Hart is expected to take the majority of the starts, with Cal Petersen serving as the backup. Hart has shown flashes of brilliance in the past, and if he can find consistency, he might be the spark this team needs.
2023-2024 Season Outlook: A Hill to Climb
The Flyers are projected to be a bit under an 80-point team this upcoming season, which won't be enough to get them into the playoffs. To exceed this forecast, they'll need several things to break their way. Hart needs to find his elite form, Couturier and Atkinson must not only return healthy but perform at a high level, and Tortorella's system needs to gel quickly with the new additions.
Concluding Thoughts
Philadelphia is in a precarious spot. The roster, as currently constructed, likely doesn't have the firepower or depth to compete for a playoff spot. However, the Flyers are a storied franchise, and their fanbase is hungry for a return to the postseason. It may not happen this year, but if the pieces start to click, they might be laying the groundwork for future success. The 2023-2024 season is shaping up to be a pivotal one for the City of Brotherly Love's hockey team.
(Please read our Disclaimer for NHL Team Points Distribution Histograms.)
ESBC - Together more from the games!
Uutiset ja blogitekstit RSS-syötteenä