Many Flyers fans look at the recent success of the team since Christmas and, by the way they are playing, you'd probably think they're at least 2nd or 3rd in the Atlantic Division.
Truth is, they haven't moved; they're still in last.
The reason isn't the play of the Flyers, but moreover, the play of their New York rivals, the Rangers and Islanders, who have also played progressivly better as the season has worn on. Out of the entire Atlantic Division the past ten games, the Flyers, Islanders, and Rangers, respectively, have better records than the Devils and Penguins.
It is rare in today's NHL to see every team in a division at .500 or above, but that is what we see in the Atlantic, with the slight possiblility that all five Atlantic teams could make the postseason. An Atlantic packed Eastern Conference playoffs would provide with tons of rivalry series as well as some good games, but it would be a bit silly if the "last place" Flyers get to the playoffs.
As for the Flyers this week, it was pretty forgettable. An embarrassing loss to Toronto on Thursday kicked off the week and after another loss in Washington, Mike Richards came out and bashed the Philadelphia media. A diasterous week was averted by an offensive blitz against Columbus in a 5-3 win to kick off a six game homestand last night. What does this week spell for this Flyers team?
Well, in October and most of the last month of this season, the Flyers have proved they are talented enough to beat any given team on any given night, seeing they have manhandled Pittsburgh and NEw Jersey this season. However, this team lacks drive and a true leader, in my opinion. Richards has struggled to handle the rigors of captain and his incident this past week hurt his rep a little more. I would rather see someone like Chris Pronger at captain, but it is what it is. Richards is the captain and will hopefully learn from his mistakes.
Still, will it be enough for Philly to squeeze out a postseason berth? I think the Flyers must come back with a consistency and fire after the Olympics that will be needed to power them down a long and rough month of March. The Atlantic Division is indeed the most talented division in hockey, and only the hardest workign teams will have what it takes to go to the playoffs and beyond. The Flyers must take a step up to reach that plateau.
Thumbs Up This Week
1. Jeff Carter- Last year's leading goal scorer is picking up the pace, with a tally in Washington and two against the Blue Jackets last night to go with an assist. Right now playign head and shoulders better hockey then fellow young center Mike Richards.
2. R.J. Umberger- Welcome back, R.J. Umberger!!! Despite losing to us last night, you scored two goals and nearly had a memorable hat trick until your goal was taken away and given to Rick Nash. Still good to see you again.
3. Tyler Bozak- Tyler who? Check the highlights of this Maple Lead farm hand's first NHL goal against the Flyers last week and you'll see what I mean. It was a dipsy-doodle-dandy.
Thumbs Down This Week
1. Mike Richards- My respect for you is quickly spiraling down the toilet, you have played subpar hockey has of late and point fingers at media for the team's lack of success. Listen Richards, your team isn't playing up to expectations. This should be expected.
2. Michael Leighton- I'm kind of happy you were finally exposed as a poor goalie in Toronto against the porpus Leafs. Now you're back where you belong, the bench. Hopefully, soon it will be the scratch list and then, finally, waivers.
3. Ole-Kristian Tollefsen- It's nice to see you back on the ice, however, is it necessary to act as if you broke a leg everytime your hit? One of the softest Flyers I've seen in a LONG time, grow a set Ole!!!
On the Medical Bench
Danny Syvret- Well, that hit against Dallas last week was severe, as it appears Svyret will miss about a month with a seperated shoulder. He is now on injured reserve and was replaced by Tollefsen.
Ryan Parent- Still on IR with a lower back injury, no word on his return.
My Flyers Picks This Week
It's a three game set at home this week, with two critical divisional games that could be difference makers when all is said and done. That being said, the Rangers are in town for the third of six meetings so far. A must win for the Flyers nad they will win, victory over New York. Saturday, the horrific Hurricanes come to town for one, final meeting. Easy win there. Sunday, the Flyers will host cross state rival Pittsburgh on NBC's Game of the Week. Yay for national TV, nay to the Flyers winning, the Penguins get their act together and bust a Flyers win streak.
Last Week- 2-1
Season- 15-9
Thurs. vs NY Rangers WIN
Sat. vs Carolina WIN
Sun. vs Pittsburgh LOSS
Around the NHL
Atlantic- Bad news for Devils fans. LW Patrick Elias sustained a concussion on Saturday against Colorado. He has been placed on IR with no timetable set on his return. That's a big hit for a Devil team battling with Pittsburgh atop the Atlantic Division.
Northeast- Well, it's fianlly over for long time Buffalo center Michael Peca. After not finding a team to sign him for the 2009-10 season, Peca finally retired yesterday after 13 NHL seasons. I never liked the guy, but he was a pretty good player and will be missed by many fans in Buffalo, Long Island, and the like.
Southeast- With the Lightning realistically out of playoff contention, trade rumors are bubbling up with Vincent Lecavlier, the long time Tampa Bay scoring machine, at the center. Early reports indicate that the Rangers are frontrunners for Lecavlier, which could be scary for fellow East opponents, a scoring complement for Marion Gaborik could be exactly what the Rangers need. We'll keep our eyes on Lecalier rumors.
Central- One last word on R.J. Umberger, one of my favorite players in the NHL. The Flyers fans tossing hats for what was thought to be an Umberger hat trick was incredible for a visiting player. He was one beloved player in Philly and with Richards stirring up the pot in Philly recently, Umberger is even more missed. Just wanted to emphasize this point.
Northwest- Petr Sykora's year is going from bad to worse. After playign just 14 games with the Minnesota Wild due to concussion problems and slumping, he has been placed on waivers by Minnesota. If cleared, it appears Sykora will be AHL bound. A sad fall for a player who last year was a key factor in the Penguins run to the Stanley Cup.
Pacific- An Olympic but still Pacific argument here. Evgeni Nabokov (Sharks) or Ilya Bryzgalov (Coyotes) at goalie? If I had to choose, I'm going with the hotter Nabokov, who now leads the NHL with 27 wins, especially with Bryzgalov's recent struggles and international inexperience. Still, it's a mini-goaltending controversey to watch.
What to Watch This Week
Wednesday- Florida at New Jersey 7:00 Hockey Night on Yahoo
Thursday- Washington at Pittsburgh 7:30 NHL Network
Friday- Nashville at Colorado 9:00 Hockey Night on Yahoo
Saturday- Buffalo at San Jose 10:30 CSN Bay Area
Sunday- Pittsburgh at Philadelphia 12:30 NBC
Monday- Pittsburgh at NY Rangers 7:00 Versus
Tuesday- New Jersey at Ottawa 7:30 MSG+2
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