Philly Flop
There wasn't much to laugh about this year in Philadelphia, but the future brings plenty of smiles.
In a league of constant change, not many teams can be viewed year after year as perennial darkhorse cup contenders. The Philadelphia Flyers were one of those teams though, and while the post-season didn't ever materialize into a WCHL Cup title, for many years the Flyers were a powerhouse in the Eastern Conference.
This season however didn't match those expectations and for the first time in roughly 10 seasons, the Flyers found themselves closing the doors on the arena before the playoffs started.
"It's hugely disappointing," stressed Flyers General Manager Doug Van Strepen. "I'd say it's our most disappointing season in a while."
Disappointment started early and carried on for the Flyers, who got off to a rough 3-8-0 start. While a five game winning streak pulled them to .500 after that, the Flyers were left playing catch up all season and just couldn't gain much ground in an Eastern Conference which may go down as the most competitive conference in one season in sim hockey history.
"Even if we'd win, we just couldn't gain ground. After a while, it really wears on you mentally. This of-season will be about regrouping mentally more than anything," said veteran centre and team captain Ryan Getzlaf.
The FLyers have reason for optimism. Despite missing the playoffs by nine points, they still finished with a record of 44-35-3, good for 91 points. Even if they repeat that performance next year, they should be closer to the playoffs due to the likelihood of teams above them coming back down to earth.
Additionally, the Flyers went 12-3-1 in their final 16 games of the season largely with a roster of younger players after several trades to restock the teams talent pool. While it's unlikely they can maintain that level of play next year, the Flyers have to see some hope in that solid performance.
Another piece of good news is the fact the Flyers finished the season with just two players -Scott Hartnell and Brooks Orpik- who are 30 or older. Orpik is a UFA as well, and likely won't be back. The future bodes well for the Flyers.
Scott Hartnell figures to be the elder statesman on the FLyers next year at the age of 31.
That future includes the likes of Brayden Schenn, Wayne Simmonds and Jakub Voracek upfront, Karl Alzner on defense and Jonathan Bernier in net.
"We have a good core to work with," noted Van Strepen. "We just need to add to it."
Brayden Schenn (left), Wayne Simmonds (centre) and Jakub Voracek figure to be a leading force for the Flyers in the years to come.
Free agency figures to be one area the Flyers could add. Even if the cap doesn't increase, the Flyers figure to have approximately $18 million in spending money without Orpik, and outside of another defenseman to replace Orpik, they don't have any glaring holes, meaning they could be a player for a big name or two.
Additionally, if the FLyers can cut back on the penalties they could see big improvement through just that. The Flyers were the elagues most penalized team, taking 19.89 penalties per game, over two minutes more per game than the 29th ranked Anaheim Ducks. Considering they had a 20th ranked penalty kill ranking, that was flirting with disaster to often.
In short, it could be a quick turn around for the Flyers, who have a great chance of being back in the playoffs as early as next year. Minor changes, some internal growth, and maybe one big signing could have the Flyers flying high once again.
"Hopefully. I don't want to be on the outside looking in two years in a row. Watching the playoffs on TV is hard enough as is," said star blueliner Ryan McDonagh.
There wasn't much to laugh about this year in Philadelphia, but the future brings plenty of smiles.
In a league of constant change, not many teams can be viewed year after year as perennial darkhorse cup contenders. The Philadelphia Flyers were one of those teams though, and while the post-season didn't ever materialize into a WCHL Cup title, for many years the Flyers were a powerhouse in the Eastern Conference.
This season however didn't match those expectations and for the first time in roughly 10 seasons, the Flyers found themselves closing the doors on the arena before the playoffs started.
"It's hugely disappointing," stressed Flyers General Manager Doug Van Strepen. "I'd say it's our most disappointing season in a while."
Disappointment started early and carried on for the Flyers, who got off to a rough 3-8-0 start. While a five game winning streak pulled them to .500 after that, the Flyers were left playing catch up all season and just couldn't gain much ground in an Eastern Conference which may go down as the most competitive conference in one season in sim hockey history.
"Even if we'd win, we just couldn't gain ground. After a while, it really wears on you mentally. This of-season will be about regrouping mentally more than anything," said veteran centre and team captain Ryan Getzlaf.
The FLyers have reason for optimism. Despite missing the playoffs by nine points, they still finished with a record of 44-35-3, good for 91 points. Even if they repeat that performance next year, they should be closer to the playoffs due to the likelihood of teams above them coming back down to earth.
Additionally, the Flyers went 12-3-1 in their final 16 games of the season largely with a roster of younger players after several trades to restock the teams talent pool. While it's unlikely they can maintain that level of play next year, the Flyers have to see some hope in that solid performance.
Another piece of good news is the fact the Flyers finished the season with just two players -Scott Hartnell and Brooks Orpik- who are 30 or older. Orpik is a UFA as well, and likely won't be back. The future bodes well for the Flyers.
Scott Hartnell figures to be the elder statesman on the FLyers next year at the age of 31.
That future includes the likes of Brayden Schenn, Wayne Simmonds and Jakub Voracek upfront, Karl Alzner on defense and Jonathan Bernier in net.
"We have a good core to work with," noted Van Strepen. "We just need to add to it."
Brayden Schenn (left), Wayne Simmonds (centre) and Jakub Voracek figure to be a leading force for the Flyers in the years to come.
Free agency figures to be one area the Flyers could add. Even if the cap doesn't increase, the Flyers figure to have approximately $18 million in spending money without Orpik, and outside of another defenseman to replace Orpik, they don't have any glaring holes, meaning they could be a player for a big name or two.
Additionally, if the FLyers can cut back on the penalties they could see big improvement through just that. The Flyers were the elagues most penalized team, taking 19.89 penalties per game, over two minutes more per game than the 29th ranked Anaheim Ducks. Considering they had a 20th ranked penalty kill ranking, that was flirting with disaster to often.
In short, it could be a quick turn around for the Flyers, who have a great chance of being back in the playoffs as early as next year. Minor changes, some internal growth, and maybe one big signing could have the Flyers flying high once again.
"Hopefully. I don't want to be on the outside looking in two years in a row. Watching the playoffs on TV is hard enough as is," said star blueliner Ryan McDonagh.
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