As the Philadelphia Flyers head into the 2021-22 season, it’s hard not to think about what went wrong last season. They looked good at the start of the 2020-21 season, and then everything went off the rails. They progressively hurt their own chances for a playoff bid, finishing sixth in the division with 58 points.
General manager Chuck Fletcher made several additions and subtractions throughout the year, especially in the offseason. He chose to trade the Flyers first-round pick, Robert Hagg, and a second-round pick in 2023 to the Buffalo Sabres to get defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen. Ristolainen is an upgrade over Hagg, but it’s still a considerable risk Fletcher was willing to take to have the player he believes is a better fit. Some of his other trades and acquisitions may make fans wonder if he knows what he’s doing. However, fans must have faith, and it appears Alain Vigneault has some work to do this season if they’re planning on a playoff bid.
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Offense
Philadelphia has several solid centers for the top lines with players like Sean Couturier, Kevin Hayes, and Derick Brassard. They’ll be able to anchor players like Cam Atkinson, Joel Farabee, Claude Giroux, and James van Riemsdyk. Oskar Lindblom will be looking to continue to progress to be back to where he was and surpass that. Many proven playmakers are on this side of the puck, and the coaches will need to find the right combinations. Fans might need to be patient, at least for a few games.
Defense
The Flyers brought in Keith Yandle during the offseason, and he’s a capable, puck-moving defenseman. He’s decent at being a power-play quarterback. His experience, combined with other players like Ivan Provorov, Ryan Ellis, and Justin Braun, should serve them well, especially on special teams. It’s an improvement on paper, but if they can cut out the inconsistency then life will be easier not only for Hart but for the forwards as well.
In Net
This season will see Carter Hart paired with Martin Jones. Despite his poor showing this past season, he was signed to a three-year extension cementing his role as the starting goalie. Martin’s experience as a starting goaltender gives the Flyers flexibility and peace of mind that he’ll be able to start in net when needed. Martin is signed for only one year, but expect to see him stick around for a few more years if this duo works out.
Key Players
Joel Farabee
Farabee had a decent second season in which he led the team in goals with 20 and was fifth for total points in the season with 38. However, the Flyers will need for him to build upon what he’s already done and be consistent and dependable. He’s already proven he has what it takes; the Flyers will need to ensure he’s a part of their plan to win in the playoffs.
Carter Hart
Hart needs to be at his best if the Flyers’ goal is to make it to the playoffs. He was getting there in April before he was injured. Hart is a big key to the Flyers having a good season, and it’s a lot to put on his shoulders. However, he’ll need to be consistent in the net, showing the team and the fanbase that he’s the goalie they need.
Ivan Provorov
He’s been an okay player. Certainly not the one fans and the front office were expecting since the 2017-18 season. He’s not improved too much, but he hasn’t regressed too much either. The Flyers need Provorov to step up, fix his flaws and be the number one defender he can be. Perhaps if paired with someone like Ellis, it might kickstart his game.
Biggest Question Facing the Flyers
The Flyers have had ups and does, with this past season definitely being down. The question that remains is if they are ready to finally take control of their destiny and win in the playoffs. As with any team, anything is within the realm of possibility. But, they have the players and the talent, and they’ll need to rise above mediocrity to get what they want.
Seasonal Forecast
While there are new faces to the team, integrating them into Vigneault’s plan will be easier said than done. However, they have solid players on both sides of the puck, and if everyone is firing on all cylinders, then this season is sure to be an interesting one. They have the opportunity to show fans and other teams around the league that last year was a stumble, not a fall. A playoff push is not beyond the realm of possibilities; the Flyers have to reach out and make this season their own.
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