The Flyers had an abundance of rookie riches last year with the trio of Brayden Schenn, Sean Couturier, and Matt Read. Heading into 2012-2013 expectations are high for this group as they step into even more prominent roles with the club.
Taking Stock: Defense & Goaltending
Over the past few seasons, the hallmark of the Philadelphia Flyers has been their offense. Notorious for their ability to accumulate and develop high-end offensive talent via the draft, the team has been able to consistently find success based on its robust offensive presence. Yet for all the attention the offense (rightfully) receives, the defense was never truly all that far behind, anchored most recently by the big body of Chris Pronger and the puck-moving prowess of Matt Carle. Now those two stalwarts are gone, paving the way for a new class of defenders to take the reigns on the …
Atlantic Watch: Season Preview
After a painful 3 1/2 months, the NHL will finally return to action this weekend. That being said, the schedule is much shorter, which makes every game that much more important. If you want to make the playoffs, you most likely won’t be able to afford any losing streak of severe length. Since no games have taken place yet, let’s take a look at the Flyers’ schedule for the next week and recent news related to the team, as well as what the rest of the division has done lately. For the Flyers, several stories have occurred this week that …
College Hockey Roundup: BC Recruit Demko shines; Quinnipiac keeps unbeaten streak alive
Remember the name Thatcher Demko. Demko, a Boston College commit who plays goalie for the U.S. Under-18 team, stopped all 23 shots that were thrown his way as Team USA beat Penn State 3-0 on Saturday to salvage a split in a weekend exhibition series. The San Diego native has been excellent so far this season in exhibition games against Division I schools. He made 35 saves in 2-2 tie against a highly touted New Hampshire squad back on December 9 and made 39 saves on October 26 against a powerhouse University of Minnesota team that features the likes of Nick Bjugstad …
On Mike Richards, captaincy, and booing
With Claude Giroux being named the 19th Captain in Philadelphia Flyers history, it will naturally bring up some talk of Mike Richards. Some people fear naming Giroux Captain at age 25, after his fourth NHL season, after having named Mike Richards to the same post at age 23, after his fourth season. I’m not here to debate the merits of those concerns, but rather, the discussions brought to memory something I wrote at another time and place. I wanted to bring it here to Flyers Faithful. So, please forgive me for bringing up Mike Richards…again. We may never get away from …
Captain Claude
Claude Giroux has officially been promoted. The fifth-year pro and Hart Trophy hopeful was named the 19th captain in Philadelphia Flyers history (and 18th man to hold the post) on Tuesday. Giroux takes over the captaincy from Chris Pronger, who remains unofficially retired and will likely spend the rest of his career on the LTIR, where he cannot be bought out using a compliance buyout. “Claude is the undisputed leader of this team,” Flyers GM Paul Holmgren said in making the announcement. “He always exhibits a tremendous work ethic in games and practices. He is a great professional both on …
Snider speaks 1/15
Q: What brings you out today? A: I just thought it was a nice day for a stroll in New Jersey…No I’m thrilled to be back, it’s exciting. I’m looking forward to the next 48 games and hopefully the playoffs. The fact that I told the league to get it done by my birthday made me feel real good. Q: What do you remember from the last short season? A: I remember that it was a short season but we did very well. I remember Eric Lindros winning the Hart Trophy and overall it was a pretty good year. Q: …
With new CBA, what will it cost to sign Giroux?
Claude Giroux’s current contract expires, and he will become a restricted free agent, after the 2013-2014 season. Many Flyers fans fear the possibility of an offer sheet especially after signing Shea Weber to an offer sheet this past summer. In the expired Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), a player could not sign a contract extension until they were in the final year of their contract. I don’t expect this stipulation to change, so come July 1, 2013, when the new League Year begins, Giroux will officially be eligible to sign a contract extension with the Flyers. I don’t think the Flyers’ …
Around the Net 01.15.2013
Welcome to Around the Net, a weekly look through linkage at the Philadelphia Flyers and other news from around the NHL. In case you missed it.. The NHL lockout is over and here is the Flyers schedule: [Philly.com] Brian Boucher has returned, but not in a role you might expect: [Broadstreethockey.com] The Flyers sign Kurtis Foster: [The Checking Line] Danny Briere might be back sooner than originally thought: [CSNPhilly] Bill Meltzer weighs in on Boosh and prospect Scott Laughton: [Hockeybuzz] Looks like Mez might be ready for Saturday after all: [Philly.com] As if you needed any more reason to be …
Briere wrist update and other Flyers news
Flyers winger Danny Briere “had” a “hairline fracture” in his wrist that was injured while he played in Germany, but team GM Paul Holmgren says it is healing, while the man himself says it is “healing nicely.” That’s the juiciest piece of information to come out of Day 2 of an abbreviated training camp. Nonetheless, it is expected the 35-year-old Quebecer will miss opening weekend against the Penguins and Buffalo Sabres. It’s tough news for the scrappy forward, who seemed to enjoy more success playing overseas in the first half of this season than he did last year in Philly …