It has been widely reported recently how the Flyers have the best record they have had at this point in the season in quite a while. I don't have the exact numbers in front of me, but their record so far is on the same pace with the mid-70s cup teams, and the mid-80s teams that were so good. Better than any of the 90s Lindros teams.
Looking at the roster it shouldn't be surprising. I still say their defense is the best in the league quite confidently, and their forward depth is really up there. The Flyers don't have a number one line, but they have three lines teams have to worry about. In Carter, Briere, Richards and Giroux, the Flyers have 4 centers who would be a top-2 center on nearly every team in the league. Having team captain Mike Richards on what could almost be considered the 3rd line (with Nodl and JVR) is an incredible luxury. Best group of skaters I have personally seen on the Flyers, hands down.
This season, the Flyers may not always looks invincible, but they are never out of it and just keep piling up the points. Honestly I think Bobby Boucher's stats flatter their play, but that just speaks to how few breakdowns the Flyers have. Otherwise it's hard to find many faults with this team. A mediocre and inconsistent powerplay is all I can come up with. There is every reason to think the Flyers will keep it up for the rest of season despite last night's stinker (the Flyers have had 2 long breaks this season, and have been blown out in 3 of the 4 games framing those breaks...go figure).
Of course with the defense and offense so solid, the goaltending questions never really go away. Darren Dreger, a VERY reliable source of information around the league, reports the following;
February 1:
Veteran goaltender Ray Emery will be ready to return within the week. Emery's agent, JP Barry says there are three NHL teams with interest and after some fine tuning this week, expects Emery will be ready to consider offers and a temporary assignment to an AHL team. Emery has spent months rehabilitating a rebuilt hip. Unlike Evgeni Nabokov, Emery will not have to clear waivers as he did not play in Europe or have an existing contract at any point this season.
February 3:
At least three NHL teams have expressed interest in goaltender Ray Emery.
Sources have confirmed both the Anaheim Ducks and Philadelphia Flyers are in the mix as two of the three teams, however neither team is at a point where they're prepared to make an offer to sign the unrestricted free agent. Although, the expectation is teams will make their move on Emery within the next 48 hours.
Former Ottawa Senators goalie coach, Eli Wilson has been working with Emery, focusing on the technical side of his game following extensive hip surgery.
This morning, Wilson proclaimed his client is good to go, "he's ready now!"
Emery fully expects to start his comeback in the American Hockey League which may be enticing for teams willing to take a chance, while looking to add goaltending depth to their organization.
"Ray feels great and wants to be playing next week. We are now exploring all possibilities and will have to make a decision relatively soon," said Emery's agent, JP Barry.
I shall make no further comment and leave it at that.
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