NHL Season Preview: Philadelphia Flyers

Philadelphia Flyers


Last seasons standings: record- 45-26-11 for 101 points. The Flyers were tied last year for 1st in the Atlantic Division, but they took 5th in the Eastern Conferemce due to one fewr win than the Devils

In: Nolan Baumgartner D (prev. team: Vancouver Canucks); Randy Robitaille F (prev. team: Minnesota Wild); Antero Nittymaki G; Mark Cullen F (prev. team: Chicago Blackhawks); R.J. Umberger F; Matt Elison F; Martin Grenier D (prev. team: NY Rangers); Boyd Kane F (prev. team: Washington Capitals); Daniel Corso F (prev. team: Frankfurt Lions of the German Elite League); Joni Pitkanen D; Geoff Sanderson F (prev. team: Phoenix Coyotes); Simon Gagne F; Kyle Calder F (via trade w/ Chicago Blackhawks); Eric Meloche F (via trade w/ Chicago Blackhawks)

Out: Michal Handzus F (via trade w/ Chicaago Blackhawks); Vaclav Pletka F (via trade w/ Chicago Blackhawks); Kim Johnson D (new team: Minnesota Wild); Donald Brashear F (new team: Washington Capitals); Branko Radivojevic F (new team: Minnesota Wild)

Season Outlook: great. The Flyers head into Training Camp with a very veteran team. The big question mark at this point as it seems to be every year is in net. The Flyers spent a lot of money on veteran forwards but they did nothing to improve in between the pipes. The Flyers are solid enough in front of the 'keeper to get the team into the playoffs, but the Flyers won't make it far with the goaltending they currently have. Up front, they are led by Peter Forsberg, who I expect will be motivated to prove he's over his recently surgically repaired ankle injury. Forsberg's joined by fellow forwards Simon Gagne, and exciting sophomore Jeff Carter and Mike Richards. Add Kyle Calder, Sami Kapanen and Randy Robitaille to the mix and you have 2 lines that will scare most teams. On defense they have bruising D-man Derian Hatcher and Nolan Baumgartner who proved he can hold his own in this league last season. The Flyers should be an exciting, high-scoring team to watch this season.

Season Prediction: The Flyers will finish atop the Atlantic division, 2nd in the Eastern Conference.