The Flyers are 9-0-1 in their last 10, winning their last 3 by a combined 18-4. Definitely the hottest team in the league, and arguably the "best" right now.
On paper, their 1-6 defense lineup is the best in the league, and they have been performing that way thus far. Their 3rd pairing of Meszaros and O'Donnell are each +12 (tied for 2nd in the NHL)!.
Briere is playing his best hockey as a Flyer, Giroux looks poised for a breakout regular season, and Carter and Richards haven't exactly disappeared.
And then there's Bobrovsky. 11-2-1 with a .934 save percentage. Ridiculous.
Not even 25% of the season's done yet, and you can't win anything in November, but a win in November is worth just as much in standings as a win in April. All these early season points will pay off in the long run.
The Flyers are looking like the Stanley Cup favorites the Hockey News foresaw last year, it just took them some time (and a different goalie imported from the KHL) to find that form.
Who are the other teams in the East that pose realistic threats?
ReplyDeleteWashington, Pittsburgh is struggling but can't be counted out, and the Canadiens are playing well. Boston may or may not be good.
ReplyDeleteWhile the Legion of Doom team was the most dominant Flyers team I can remember, this is far and away the deepest one. The most important thing that depth brings is the ability to have guys rested for the playoffs. Pronger and Kimo don't have to play 26 minutes a night. Our forwards can take nights off and not play 100% all the time, knowing as long as they play well defensively the offense will likely get picked up by another line. I'm really excited about this team. And even if Bobo falls off a bit, with this defense in front of him, how noticeable will it really be?
ReplyDeleteYeah - I think Dan is right. Not having to burn Pronger out in the regular season will pay huge dividends in the playoffs.
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