I think why most fans were so angry with the management the last few weeks is because we knew what kind of team this Flyers squad is, and watching them under-perform night after night was extremely frustrating. This team is noticeably different from the team from say, a week ago.
Cosistency is important
I’ll start with the captain, who is arguably one of the most underrated players in the league and has been for a while. Maybe it’s because they Flyers really haven’t done much over the last four years under Hakstol. But this season, Giroux has 41 points through 33 games played and he has quietly been one of the most consistent players in the national hockey league. He finished second in points last season as well, and we should be very happy to have him still playing at a high level.
Another key aspect of this team has been the defense over the last two games. They’ve made sure not to hang Carter Hart out to dry, and have been getting in the way of shots. This is a noticeable difference, and you could see it last night in the final 2 minutes of the game against the Predators.
I don’t remember the last time I saw the Flyers put this much effort into preserving a lead. Just look at the game from last week against the Flames, they let them walk in and pretty much win the game without a fight. Now I don’t know if it was the coaching change, or the fact that our baby boy Carter Hart is playing, but this team has taken a complete 180 and I hope they can keep it up. I’m not going to lie, it’s been a while since I felt excited about watching a Flyers game.
Playoff push?
Yeah yeah, I know it’s been two games, but if the Flyers want to make the playoffs, they’re going to have to keep playing like this. Looking forward, I think Carter Hart is going to get a great chance to play for an extended period of time but I genuinely don’t think he’s ready to be in the big leagues for good (yet). I say that because he is still only 20 years old, the kid can’t even buy a beer yet.
I do believe that Chuck Fletcher is going to go out and trade for a goalie. I’m okay with giving up a few prospects to help bridge the gap between now and when Hart will be the number one guy here. I also believe he is going to try and find another top 4 defensemen. I’ve been hearing Colton Parayko’s name being thrown around so maybe he could be the guy. I don’t know who the Flyers would have to give up for someone like Parayko but the Flyers do have a surplus of picks and prospects to work with. Between the end of the trade freeze and the deadline, expect some moves to be made by the new GM.
The Flyers have played two great games in a row, and will need to keep their foot on the gas if they want to make playoffs come April. I do believe in this team and I’m excited for what the future of the club is going to be. It has been a rough couple of months for us fans, and to see the team play with heart again, especially at their home barn, is a great feeling.
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