Following front office chaos in the Wells Fargo Center, the Flyers have somehow pulled out 7 wins in a row. Saturday’s win against Edmonton and star Connor McDavid was maybe the most impressive yet, with the team battling back until Nolan Patrick’s OT winner. With the constant highs and lows of this team, it’s hard to keep up. Here are some of my main takeaways.
Where do they go from here?
GM Chuck Fletcher and Coach Scott Gordon had a rocky start following the promotion, but all of a sudden, the team is coming together. Despite this win streak, the problem that has faced this organization is the lack of an overall plan. The Flyers cannot let this distract the front office from formulating some sort of direction for the future of the team to make sure that we take advantage of this young talent present. Fletcher could see the value of guys like Simmonds, Voracek, JVR, and Elliott are on the market if any. They do have talent, but if we could get a good return to help solidify the future, it may be worth taking the risk. The Flyers need more depth and speed, and if they can improve either of those categories and build around their core, they could be on a good path.
Hart and Stolarz are the Future
Carter Hart has been outstanding given the circumstances. He really has the potential to have a bright future with the team, winning the rookie of the month honors. He has a .922 save percentage and has looked abnormally comfortable getting his stab at the goaltending reigns. He had another impressive game Saturday, with 40 saves, and 16 in the first period. Stolarz is not anything special in particular, however, he seems that he can develop into a solid backup after some decent showings in the NHL. Including a shutout win against the Rangers in MSG.
One thing is clear, these guys are the best options moving forward. If they can continue to develop and play night in and out, this should be our goaltending situation for the foreseeable future.
Are they poised to climb the division standings?
If the Flyers can continue to battle as they have been each game, there is no reason why they shouldn’t have an impressive run leading into the playoffs. At 23-23-6 and sixth in the Metropolitan division, they have their work cut out for them. They need around 97-100 points to make it, which is not unattainable after squeaking in with 98 points last season. Currently sitting at 52 points, it will be an uphill battle.
The thing fans should really question is if this is the same song and dance we are used to from the orange and black. Or can they make a serious run and start to identify as a team and work toward winning a Stanley Cup. Only time will tell, but Chuck Fletcher and Scott Gordon need to find a way to make sure the team stays focused and find a way to become the contender that Philadelphia deserves.