07-08 RECORD: 42-29-11 95 pointsDIVISION: 3rd
CONFERENCE: 6th
RESULT: Lost in Conference Finals
OFF-SEASON:
ARRIVALS: C Glen Metropolit(BOS), RW Aaron Asham(NJ), D Ossi Vaananen(EUR), D Steve Eminger(WSH)
DEPARTURES: C Jim Dowd, RW Sami Kapanen, D Jaroslav Modry, LW Vaclav Prospal, D Jason Smith, LW R-J Umberger, C Patrick Thoresen
It was a very quiet off-season for the Flyers especially when you look at what they did last summer. GM Paul Holmgren's work was all done last summer and those moves along with the young guys stepping up another level all helped towards the Flyers gigantic turn around and into the Conference Finals. The Flyers did loose some veterans like former captain Jason Smith, Sami Kapanen and Vaclav Prospal and were forced to trade R-J Umberger to make cap room for Jeff Carter. The Flyers did bring in some defensive depth with Ossi Vaananen and Steve Eminger and some leadership up front with Glen Metropolit but its a new time for the Flyers and all the player they let go were to let their young core step up and really make the Flyers their team. It all starts will their new 23 year old captain Mike Richards.
CAP HIT: 61.21 million(including injured Derian Hatcher & Mike Rathje)
FORWARDS:
My Projected Lines:
1- S.GAGNE-D.BRIERE-M.KNUBLE
2- S.HARTNELL-M.RICHARDS-J.LUPUL
3- S.DOWNIE-J.CARTER-S.UPSHALL
4- R.COTE-G.METROPOLIT-A.ASHAM
E- B.KANE-D.POWE-C.GIROUX
The Flyers are stacked down the middle. Daniel Briere, Richards and Carter are the core and leaders of this group and will be looked upon to continue their offensive production. Briere who had a disappointing season after signing that huge contract last summer, had a remarkable playoffs so the Flyers hope that he will build on that confidence. It was only a matter of time before Richards was the captain of the Flyers and he is the true face of 'Flyers hockey'. Carter who got and deserved a big raise this off-season was one goal away from scoring 30 while playing on the third line. The wingers will have to join their fellow centerman and produce offense. Simon Gagne will be looked to bounce back to his former 40+ goals after playing in only 25 games last season due to a concussion. Scott Hartnell and Joffrey Lupul both bring a pesky role while proving enough offense alongside Richards. Scottie Upshall will be looked to improve on his 14 goals last season but if he plays the full season that shouldn't be a problem alongside Carter. Metropolit, Riley Cote, Aaron Asham and Steve Downie bring the grit and toughness up front while Downie could have the chance to be a little more offense alongside Carter and Upshall.
DEFENSE:
My Projected Pairings:
1- K.TIMONEN-B.COBURN
2- R.JONES-L.KUKKONEN
3- O.VAANANEN-S.EMINGER
E- R.PARENT(INJ.)-D.HATCHER(INJ.)
The Flyers are set on defense but could be hampered early on with the injuries to Ryan Parent and Derian Hatcher. The Flyers prepared for Hatcher since he has been inured since the playoffs and they brought in Eminger and Vaananen. Kimmo Timonen will lead this group of young inexperienced players. He was great in all situations last season and was the Flyers go-to-guy. Randy Jones and Braydon Coburn stepped up huge last season and were pleasant surprises. Both were physical just like the Flyers like. Lasse Kukkonen will have to take another step in his career with the injuries to Hatcher and Parent. Vaananen returns from Europe and Eminger is more of a depth defensemen than anything but could succeed with the change of scenery.
GOALIES:
1- M.BIRON
2- A.NIITTYMAKI
3- J-S.AUBIN
Martin Biron was more than the Flyers expected last season especially during the playoffs. Biron proved he was a #1 goalie but proved he wants to win by his play during the playoffs. Biron and Antero Niittymaki give the Flyers a good 1-2 punch. Niittymaki hurt his hip early in training camp but it doesnt seem to be serious as the Flyers only have him listed as day-to-day and they put J-S Aubin on waivers today.
OVERALL
Lead by Richards the Flyers look to be set to take another long playoff run. They have the depth up front and are adding a healthy Gagne to the line-up. Timonen will be looked on huge to lead their young group of defensemen while Coburn and Jones will have to continue their development. With the Penguins top 2 defensemen injured, the Flyers will take a very good shot at the division.
PREDICTION: 2nd Division, 4th Conference
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